Voters sent a clear message by rejecting candidates who lie about our elections, says Issue One CEO Nick Penniman in wake of 2022 midterms

In the wake of the 2022 midterm elections, Issue One CEO and Founder Nick Penniman issued the following the statement:

“While officials across the country are still counting the votes, we know that in many of the most competitive, high-profile races, the American people rejected candidates who lie about our elections and seek to undermine the rule of law. Voters sent a clear message to those who don’t support free and fair elections or the will of the people: We don’t want you in elected office. No candidate gets to decide who won the election. Voters decide who wins elections.

“It should now be clear to all that the highest level of election administration in the states is no place for election conspiracy theories. No governor or secretary of state should attempt to put their thumbs on the scale in favor of their preferred candidates. Election officials must defend every eligible American’s right to vote, remove barriers for voter participation, and run free and fair elections.

“It’s heartening to see a near-record level of voter turnout in this year’s midterm elections, and it’s inspiring to see America’s heroic election officials and poll workers run safe, smooth, and secure elections in the face of harassment and intimidation. There is still much we can do to strengthen our critical election infrastructure, reduce election-related disinformation, and speed up vote counting. All of those improvements will require more funding from Congress for local and state elections. Election infrastructure is national infrastructure, just like roads, bridges, and electrical grids.

“Today we see a new coalition in America for democracy and the rule of law. Voters didn’t just send a message to anti-democracy politicians — voters also showed the world that Americans are ready to defend our freedoms at home and abroad. Just as we at Issue One have been rooting for democracy in Ukraine, we are thrilled that so many of our fellow Americans affirmed their support for democracy here at home.

“Let’s get to work and continue to fight for a representative democracy that works for everyone.”