About Principles For Trusted Elections

We are a growing, cross-partisan movement working to restore trust in U.S. elections. Through shared principles, civic education, and community-based action, we help citizens, civic leaders, and organizations affirm what holds our democracy together and stand up for it.
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In a time of division and doubt, we offer a unifying path forward rooted in integrity, transparency, and civic responsibility.

Principles for Trusted Elections is a nonpartisan initiative that brings together individuals, civic leaders, and organizations to affirm shared standards for trustworthy election processes—without endorsing candidates, parties, or electoral outcomes.

The Principles for Trusted Elections is guided by the National Alliance for an Enduring Democracy, a cross-partisan national steering committee co-chaired by The Carter Center and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential

Who We Are

We’re individuals, civic leaders, and organizations from across the country united by a simple belief: democracy depends on trust. This effort is led by Team Democracy, in collaboration with The Carter Center and the Ford Presidential Foundation. But its strength comes from the thousands of Americans who have stepped up to protect the electoral process.
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The Principles for Trusted Elections is a nonpartisan, nationwide initiative to restore confidence in our democratic republic. It’s guided by a national steering committee co-chaired by Jason Carter and Mike Ford. Participation reflects support for shared principles, not political alignment.

Our Mission

To rebuild trust in U.S. elections by promoting shared democratic principles, advancing civic understanding, and activating visible, cross-partisan engagement.
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We believe that affirming our values publicly – and acting on them together – can help restore the civic trust and democratic norms that keep our republic strong.

Our Strategy

We work across the political spectrum to defend shared democratic values, not partisan agendas. That means we don’t support or oppose any political party or candidate based on affiliation. Our focus is on upholding the civic norms that make elections trustworthy and democracy work. At the heart of our approach is a simple idea: Commit → Learn → Act.

This isn’t a one-time path. It’s a practice we return to, again and again, to keep democracy strong.

Anyone can take part, starting with a public commitment and continuing through everyday actions that build trust in our democratic system.

Commit

It begins with signing the Principles for Trusted Elections, a public stand for honesty, fairness, transparency, nonviolence, and the peaceful transfer of power. But it doesn’t end there. Sharing that commitment helps make these values visible and signals that democracy is a shared responsibility.

Learn

We help people understand what the Principles mean in real life, how to talk about elections credibly, model civic trust, and live these values day to day. Through nonpartisan tools and partnerships with civic education organizations, we connect people with resources to be informed and confident participants in democracy.

Act

Whether it’s volunteering at the polls, hosting conversations, or amplifying trusted voices, every action helps restore trust where it matters most. We also share ways to get involved locally and live out these values in everyday civic life.

Ready to take the next step? Visit the Take Action page to learn how you can
Commit, Learn, and Act to support trusted elections.

About Principles For Trusted Elections

Commit

Learn

Act

Anyone Can Stand Up For Trusted Elections

Principles For Trusted Elections

Principles For
Trusted Elections