The American people expect candidates to play by the rules.
Free, fair, and secure elections are the cornerstone of America's democratic republic. Our government's legitimacy relies upon the "consent of the governed," expressed through elections. We stand at a pivotal moment for our nation, as misinformation, threats of violence, and interference undermine faith in our democratic system and place our national security at risk. Amidst these efforts to sow discord around our elections, even poll workers have become targets of violence and intimidation. This is not how elections are supposed to work, especially in the nation that invented modern democracy. While these dynamics have the potential to undermine the very foundation of our government, more and more Americans are standing up for our democracy. They are looking to their leaders to do the same.
We are asking candidates to lead by example.
Candidates who agree to the Candidate Principles for Trusted Elections uphold five core doctrines of democratic elections: integrity, nonviolence, security, oversight, and the peaceful transfer of power. Voters and organizations can lend their names to these principles, telling candidates to lead by example to help restore trust in elections.
Candidate Principles for Trusted Elections
I respect the checks and balances defined in the United States Constitution, and I support the electoral processes that protect the freedoms, liberties, and opportunities assured by our democratic institutions and norms. Elections must be conducted according to the rule of law - in a transparent, unbiased, and secure process.
As a candidate, I am guided by the following principles:
Honest Process
Cooperate with election officials, adhere to rules and regulations, and refrain from knowingly propagating falsehoods about the electoral process.
Civil Campaign
Encourage a peaceful election atmosphere during the pre-election, polling, counting, and post-election periods. Denounce any attempt to intimidate, harass, threaten or incite violence against opponents, their supporters, and election workers.
Secure Voting
Respect voters' freedom to exercise their lawful rights to register and vote, free from interference, obstruction, or intimidation.
Responsible Oversight
Encourage political parties and others to train poll-watchers on the election process and appropriate roles and behaviors, responsibilities, and obligations.
Trusted Outcomes
Make claims of election irregularities in accordance with the law and acknowledge the legitimacy of the outcomes after the results have been certified and all contestations decided.
Anyone Can Support the Candidate Principles for Trusted Elections
By lending your voice to the Candidate Principles, you're demonstrating your support for electoral processes that protect the freedoms, liberties, and opportunities assured by our democratic institutions.
Organizations
Speak out on behalf of the Candidate Principles and encourage candidates and your organization's members to support them.
Individuals
Speak out on behalf of fair and peaceful elections to your family and social network.
Support Fair, Safe, and Secure Elections
Sign the Candidate Principles and show your support for fair, safe, and secure elections. Together, we can help restore American confidence in our democratic system.
Our Organizational Supporters
Supporters of the Candidate Principles are organizations and individuals who agree that candidates for public office should lead by example and uphold the core doctrines of democratic elections: integrity, nonviolence, security, oversight, and the peaceful transfer of power.
In lending their names to this initiative, coalition partners and supporters stand behind the Candidate Principles for Trusted Elections.
Supporters of the Candidate Principles include:
The Carter Center
Ford Foundation
Former Members of Congress
Election Reformers Network
R Street Institute
NM First
Lugar Center
More in Common
Niskanen Center
Cohen Institute for Leadership
SC Small Business Chamber of Commerce
New Mexico Chamber of Commerce
The Rooney Center
Down Home North Carolina
Bridge USA
Unite America
Common Cause North Carolina
Bridge Alliance
The Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress
With Honor
Democracy International
Fair Vote
Common Ground
American Sustainable Business Network
independentvoting.org
National Institute on Civil Discourse
New Politics
Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate
Byrd Center
NCPSSM
RepresentUs
You Can Vote
Transparent Elections NC
Conservative Policy Leadership Institute
Georgia Black Republican Council
Young Democrats of America
Ga Natl Federation of Democratic Women
Progressive Democrats of America
Latino Community Fund
Community Foundation of Central Georgia
Let America Vote
Secure Democracy
US Veterans Hall of Fame
New Journey
AZ Business fro Democracy
Common Ground Florida
Progress Florida
Smart Justice Florida
Florida Tax Watch
AARP Florida
Citizens for Responsible Spending
FL Council of Churches
American Children's Campaign
Business for America
SPLC Action Fund
LWV Lower Cape Fear
New Mexico Open Elections
Leadership Now Project
Liberate From Hate, Inc
New Mexico Local News Fund
Brunswick County Democratic Party
NM PBS
The People
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA)
Bridging Divides
Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Florida
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA)
BlogForArizona.net
Republican Accountability Project
Local First Arizona
Delta Rising Foundation
'N Good Company
Georgia Interfaith Public Policy Center
Community Foundation for Southern Arizona
The Pima County Interfaith Council (PCIC)
Catholics Leadership in Southern Arizona