Over 100 top leaders & veterans issue bipartisan statement calling for America’s trust in elections and peaceful transfer of power

Today, more than 100 former U.S. senators, members of Congress, governors, and White House officials from both parties and top-ranking military veterans have issued a powerful joint statement affirming the critical importance of trust in America’s elections and the peaceful transfer of power. This historic statement, released by two leading bipartisan organizations – Issue One and More Perfect – asserts the crucial role of fair and secure elections in upholding America’s tradition of self-governance.

In the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election and as our country prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2026, the statement highlights the importance of standing behind our election officials, poll workers, and volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure free and fair elections. The statement also emphasizes that the strength of American self-government depends on public confidence in the electoral process. Moreover, the peaceful transfer of power ensures stability in governance, trust in our social, economic, and political institutions, and preserves credibility with other nations.

“Americans value their freedoms and ability to elect their leaders. That’s why our elections are held to such a high standard,” said John Bridgeland, CEO of More Perfect. “Senators, Members of Congress, Governors, White House officials, and top-ranking military leaders stand together today to honor our system of elections, to support those courageous Americans who administer them, and to reinforce the importance of the peaceful transfer of power.”

“For nearly 250 years, freedom has been the cornerstone of our country’s identity. This foundation was laid by individuals who believed in our ability to sustain democracy through the electoral process and the peaceful transfer of power,” said Nick Penniman, CEO of Issue One.  “Without confidence in elections and peaceful transfer of power, Americans risk losing the freedoms that make this country great and the world standing that protects us from dangerous foreign threats.”

Statement on Trust in Elections as a Cornerstone of American Democracy:

The U.S. Constitution begins with the powerful words, “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union….”  The people are at the core of the American experiment in self-government, which relies on its citizens to express their will through free and fair elections. American democracy thrives because every eligible citizen has the right to participate in the electoral process and to have their vote counted fairly and accurately. Public trust is earned through transparent and accountable systems designed to safeguard elections from fraud, manipulation, or undue influence. Across tens of thousands of jurisdictions, hundreds of thousands of election officials, poll workers, and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure the integrity of the process, performing audits and administering elections securely and fairly. We honor their service by collaborating with them to uphold the integrity of our electoral system.

We call on all Americans not only to vote but also to uphold and support the electoral system that undergirds our Constitutional system of representation and preserves our freedom. Election workers must be supported, not threatened. Upholding public confidence in how elections work and in the members of our communities across the country who are working tirelessly to administer safe and secure elections strengthens us as a nation.

We affirm that once elections are administered and certified, with appropriate recounts and reviews conducted as necessary, it is critical for all candidates for public office to accept the results and support the peaceful transfer of power. The peaceful transfer of power is essential for ensuring stability in governance, confidence in social, economic, and political institutions, and global diplomatic relations and international standing.

We, the undersigned leaders, affirm our commitment to strengthening public confidence in the electoral process. We will work to protect the integrity of our elections in a strictly nonpartisan manner. We call on all Americans, regardless of political affiliation, to refrain from using threats, misinformation, or tactics that undermine the public’s trust in the electoral process. We urge all Americans to support fair elections and honor their results.  Trust in our elections is the cornerstone upon which our principles and values for self-governance are built. Without trust in the electoral process, the legitimacy of government, the will of the people, and the very principles of our Constitution are at risk.