Four years ago, a group of former military, intelligence, and diplomatic leaders warned that American democracy was at risk. They cautioned that citizens losing faith in elections, tolerating political violence, and prioritizing power over principle could erode the foundations of self-government. Today, they say the threat remains, but they are encouraged by what they see: a growing movement of Americans willing to publicly commit to democratic norms.
In 2022, these leaders launched the Principles for Trusted Elections, a nonpartisan framework designed to give voice to the shared values that underpin a functioning democracy. The principles are straightforward: honest process, nonviolent campaigns, secure voting, responsible oversight, and trusted outcomes. They do not endorse candidates or prescribe specific election laws; instead, they establish common ground for political disagreement.
Now, more than 6,000 Americans have signed on, including over 300 national security experts and more than 100 organizations. The list includes institutions from across the political spectrum, such as The Carter Center and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation. This broad coalition, the authors argue, demonstrates that the instinct to protect democratic integrity transcends partisan lines.
The initiative is rooted in a belief that Americans are far more united than they perceive. Research from More in Common, a nonpartisan group, found that roughly 80% of Americans in both major parties say respecting political opponents is important. Yet each side estimates that fewer than 40% of the other side feels the same way. Similar misperceptions exist around political violence: Americans on both sides vastly overestimate support for violence among their opponents, and correcting that misperception actually reduces personal support for it.
These findings are central to the case for the Principles. The authors argue that the assumption that the other side has abandoned the rules is itself the real threat to democracy. By publicly affirming shared principles, signatories help close the perception gap and signal that most Americans still believe in the same democratic rules of the game.
The call to action is simple: add your name to the Principles for Trusted Elections, learn how elections are run in your community, and have conversations with people who hold different political views. The authors note that these discussions often reveal that opponents are not as far apart as assumed.
In an era when it is easy to retreat into partisan silos, the act of publicly affirming common ground is a powerful counterweight. The authors, including retired generals and former intelligence chiefs, urge every American to consider adding their voice. They recall that four years ago, they warned that institutions could not be taken for granted. Now they see evidence that democracy can withstand pressure if enough citizens decide it is worth protecting.
As the 2024 election cycle continues, the Principles for Trusted Elections offer a way for Americans to demonstrate that they still believe in the rules that make self-government possible. The authors conclude: "We added our voices four years ago. Thousands of Americans have added theirs since. We are asking you to now add yours."
