‘Deeply troubling when a presidential candidate questions integrity of our elections,’ say NCEI co-chairs following Harris-Trump debate

In response to tonight’s presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, co-chairs of Issue One’s bipartisan National Council on Election Integrity (NCEI) — Reps. Barbara Comstock (R-VA), Amb. Tim Roemer (D-IN), and Zach Wamp (R-TN) — issued the following statement to offer credible information about how our elections work:

“American elections are free and fair, administered by dedicated and trained election officials from both parties who work together to ensure that every eligible vote is counted accurately. Their work is not partisan; it is essential to ensuring the freedom to vote and the smooth functioning of our democracy. Teams of people from both parties work together at every step of the voting, counting, and reporting process, from checking voter eligibility, to confirming the accuracy of results from each voting location, to securely transporting ballots and other materials, to serving as independent observers. And ballots are counted using machines rigorously tested for accuracy and security before and after each election.

“It is deeply troubling when any candidate running for office questions the integrity of our elections, or attempts to discredit the hard work of these dedicated individuals, but it is especially dangerous coming from a presidential candidate. Not only does it undermine confidence in our elections, but democracy itself.

“Election workers across the country have faced unprecedented threats and harassment as a result of unfounded allegations and the spread of false election information, yet they continue to serve with dedication and professionalism. We owe them our gratitude and respect, not suspicion or threats.

“American exceptionalism is defined by our holding free and fair elections, accepting the outcome, and peacefully transferring power. No matter who voters elect this November, any candidate with their sights set on the White House must unequivocally adhere to these core principles which have set us apart as a republic for nearly 250 years.”

For additional information about how elections work in your state, visit www.howelectionswork.org/.