National Council on Election Integrity remembers Jan. 6 and the ongoing attack on our democracy

On the one-year anniversary of the attack on our U.S. Capitol, the bipartisan National Council on Election Integrity, made up of government, political, and civic leaders who are devoted to defending the legitimacy of our elections, issued the following statement:

“The attack on our democracy did not start or end with the events of January 6. While a dangerous mob failed to overturn the outcome of a smooth and successful election that saw record turnout, a systematic effort is underway in states across the country to undermine our democratic process.

“We see it when state legislatures seize control of elections by stripping local officials of their power, or when partisan actors draw gerrymandered districts that allow politicians to pick their voters and not the other way around. We see it when election workers face death threats simply for doing their job to ensure safe and credible elections, and when extremists seek election administration positions for partisan gain.

“We cannot allow these undemocratic forces to succeed in their mission to sow distrust and reverse the will of the people. Leaders in Congress must do whatever it takes to pass sweeping reforms to defend our freedom to vote. But we must do more. For our democracy to endure, Americans must exercise their most important civic duty by electing representatives who will defend the Constitution and prevent partisan politicians from taking over our elections. It is time to chart a new course and build an inclusive democracy that values thoughtful debate over obstruction, so that we may truly be a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

“January 6, 2021, was a dark day for America. What should have been a peaceful and ceremonial affirmation of the result of a free and fair election instead turned into a deadly assault. We applaud the bipartisan investigation into the events leading up to and on that day currently being conducted by the House select committee. Members from both parties are working together to put country over party and deliver a detailed and comprehensive account to the American people, and they deserve our gratitude.”