Democracy prevailed, say bipartisan National Council on Election Integrity co-chairs following the 2022 midterm elections

Following the 2022 midterm elections, co-chairs for Issue One’s bipartisan National Council on Election Integrity released the following statement:

“Democracy won this week,” said former Congresswoman Donna Edwards (D-MD). “Across the country, voters turned out at near-record levels to participate in our democratic process and exercise their sacred freedom to vote. While some key races remain too close to call until all the votes are counted, voters rejected many extreme candidates who want to undermine free and fair elections. No matter the final outcomes, thanks to the thousands of election officials and poll workers who administered another successful and secure election, we are confident that the will of the voters will prevail.”

Former Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) continued: “For years, we have watched our democracy come under attack by political bad actors who refuse to accept the will of the people. It is encouraging to see voters use their power to rebuff election deniers who threatened our democratic republic. Well-managed, free, and fair elections – that inspire high turnout – is the best way to restore faith in our institutions, and that’s exactly what we saw during this midterm election cycle. I would also like to commend the many gracious concession statements made by candidates from both parties in keeping with the traditional norms of civility in our election process. We should all continue to encourage the acceptance of our free and fair election process. Once all the votes are counted, we must come together and allow the winners to govern and uphold their oath under the rule of law.”

“Across the world, people look to American elections as models of freedom, fairness, and choice,” added Ambassador Tim Roemer (D-IN). “This week, we watched as voters rejected election denier candidates at the governor and secretary of state levels in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota, while voters in Georgia stood with those who opposed former President Trump’s effort to overturn a legitimate election in 2020. As we wait for the final results in other states like Arizona and Nevada, we should all remain patient and express gratitude for our hardworking election officials who once again ran safe, secure, and fair elections.”

Former Congressman Zach Wamp (R-TN) concluded: “Today we are reminded that voters decide who win elections – not politicians, not pundits. In this cycle, it’s important to thank every candidate who ran, but especially those who may have come up short but accepted the result. That is what makes our country exceptional. Free elections where we recognize those who receive the most votes, and those who come up short accept the decision made by the voters. This is how we, as Americans, honor the peaceful transfer of power. It’s time for all patriots to celebrate the freedom we have in this great country to determine our future and get back to work on the critical issues facing our economy and republic.”