The American people expect candidates to play by the rules.

 

Free, fair, and secure elections are the cornerstone of American democracy. Our government’s legitimacy relies upon the “consent of the governed,” expressed through elections. We stand at a pivotal moment for our nation, as misinformation, threats of violence, and interference undermine faith in our democratic system and place our national security at risk. Amidst these efforts to sow discord around our elections, even poll workers have become targets of violence and intimidation.  This is not how elections are supposed to work, especially in the nation that invented modern democracy. While these dynamics have the potential to undermine the very foundation of our government, more and more Americans are standing up for our democracy. They are looking to their leaders to do the same.

We are asking candidates to lead by example.

Candidates who agree to the Candidate Principles for Trusted Elections uphold five core doctrines of democratic elections: integrity, nonviolence, security, oversight, and the peaceful transfer of power. Voters and organizations can lend their names to these principles, telling candidates to lead by example to help restore trust in elections.

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Candidate Principles for Trusted Elections

I respect the checks and balances defined in the United States Constitution, and I support the electoral processes that protect the freedoms, liberties, and opportunities assured by our democratic institutions and norms. Elections must be conducted according to the rule of law - in a transparent, unbiased, and secure process.

As a candidate, I am guided by the following principles:

Honest Process

Cooperate with election officials, adhere to rules and regulations, and refrain from knowingly propagating falsehoods about the electoral process.

Civil Campaign

Encourage a peaceful election atmosphere during the pre-election, polling, counting, and post-election periods. Denounce any attempt to intimidate, harass, threaten or incite violence against opponents, their supporters, and election workers.

Secure Voting

Respect voters' freedom to exercise their lawful rights to register and vote, free from interference, obstruction, or intimidation.

Fair Oversight

Encourage political parties and others to train poll-watchers on the election process and appropriate roles and behaviors, responsibilities, and obligations.

Trusted Outcomes

Make claims of election irregularities in accordance with the law and acknowledge the legitimacy of the outcomes after the results have been certified and all contestations decided.

Anyone Can Support the Candidate Principles for Trusted Elections

By lending your voice to the Candidate Principles, you're demonstrating your support for electoral processes that protect the freedoms, liberties, and opportunities assured by our democratic institutions.

Candidates

Agree to the Candidate Principles and demonstrate your commitment to free, fair, and secure elections.

Organizations

Support the Candidate Principles and help restore public trust in elections.

Individuals

Ask your candidates to lead by example and agree to the Candidate Principles and speak out on behalf of fair and peaceful elections to your family and social network.

Support Fair and Peaceful Elections

Contact us today to learn more about the Candidate Principles and the role you can play in restoring American confidence in our democratic system.

About the Coalition for Trusted Elections

The Coalition for Trusted Elections is comprised of nonpartisan organizations working together to support free, fair, and secure elections. Coalition partners lead efforts to promote the Candidate Principles for Trusted Elections in local, state, and federal elections nationwide.

Supporters

Supporters of the Candidate Principles are organizations and individuals who agree that candidates for public office should lead by example and uphold the core doctrines of democratic elections: integrity, nonviolence, security, oversight, and the peaceful transfer of power.

Supporting the principles does not connote endorsement of individual candidates who agree to uphold the principles.

Supporters of the Candidate Principles include: