PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, October 23, 2025
FORMER WASHINGTON SECRETARY OF STATE KIM WYMAN URGES AMERICANS TO ENDORSE THE PRINCIPLES FOR TRUSTED ELECTIONS AND SUPPORT ELECTION OFFICIALS
Wyman highlights the integrity and professionalism of the people who keep U.S. elections fair, secure, and trustworthy.
October 23, 2025 – Kim Wyman, former Washington Secretary of State and member of the Principles for Trusted Elections Steering Committee, today encouraged Americans to endorse the Principles for Trusted Elections and to recognize the essential role election officials play in maintaining the integrity of the nation’s democratic process.
“Election officials are the quiet professionals who make democracy work,” said Wyman. “They are committed to accuracy, transparency, and fairness — values that transcend partisanship and define the strength of our elections.”
The Principles for Trusted Elections is a national, crosspartisan project of The Carter Center, The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, and Team Democracy. The nonpartisan pledge has been endorsed by more than 7,800 civic leaders, organizations, and citizens nationwide to affirm five core values that make elections trustworthy: ensuring impartial and accessible processes, protecting voters from threats and intimidation, securing every eligible vote, maintaining transparency through responsible oversight, and respecting certified results once lawful challenges are resolved.
To highlight the integrity and dedication of election administrators, the initiative released a series of video testimonials featuring:
Scott Konopasek, Former Director of Elections (CA, VA, UT, WA)
Mark Coakley, Director of Elections, Henrico County, Virginia
Stephanie L. Iles, Director of Elections, Norfolk County, Virginia
The campaign also includes an op-ed by the Richmond Board of Elections, underscoring how local election officials in Virginia continue to model impartiality and professionalism amid growing pressures and misinformation.
“Every election cycle, thousands of officials and volunteers carry out their responsibilities with integrity under intense scrutiny,” Wyman added. “They are guided by strong ethical standards and a deep commitment to ensuring that every voter’s voice is heard. Supporting them — and upholding the principles that define trustworthy elections — is one of the most meaningful ways we can strengthen our democracy.”
To learn more about The Principles for Trusted Elections and sign the pledge, go to https://www.principlesfortrustedelections.org/sign-your-name.
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