Today, democracyFIRST announced that a diverse coalition of Republican and Democratic current and former elected officials across Nevada have added their names to the democracyFIRST Promise campaign. They join more than 350 like-minded individuals across 150 congressional, state, and local districts in presidential battleground states, united in their commitment to safeguarding free and fair elections in the United States.
The bipartisan democracyFIRST Promise campaign aims to hold elected officials and office-seekers accountable for upholding core pro-democracy, pro-rule-of-law principles when it comes to the way elections are conducted in this country. The Promise is centered on four principles:
- Support every eligible American citizen’s right to vote in free and fair elections.
- Denounce political violence against opponents, their supporters, and election workers.
- Don’t propagate falsehoods and misinformation about the electoral process.
- Accept and certify the final election outcome after all the votes are counted and support the peaceful transfer of power.
Voters across the political spectrum overwhelmingly support these four core pro-democracy principles. A pre-election survey shows that, by a 50-point margin, voters said they could never support a candidate who disagreed with the Promise, 75 to 25 percent.
Among the first Nevada leaders to join the democracyFIRST Promise coalition were
Nevada Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar and Las Vegas City Councilwoman Victoria Seaman.
Secretary Aguilar said, “I am proud to join this coalition and reinforce my commitment to uphold every eligible Nevadan’s ability to vote in elections that are free, fair, accessible, and secure. It is my top priority to preserve our democracy and work across party lines to ensure the voices of all Nevadans are represented in our government.”
Councilwoman Seaman said, “Las Vegas voters must have confidence when going to the polls. The right to vote should be honored and esteemed. As elected officials, we must do everything possible to uphold the sanctity of voting.”
The following additional leaders offered these comments about why they joined the coalition:
Former Clark County Commissioner Bruce Woodbury:
“Nevadans need integrity in our elections and confidence in the proper outcomes, now and in the future. Voting is a sacred right and the civility of that process is something that we should always cherish. As a former elected official I can see how important that has been over the years here in our community.”
Former Congressman Cresent Hardy:
“Ensuring safe and secure elections is not a partisan duty but a civic imperative. We must unite in restoring civility to our political discourse, embracing respect and fairness above all differences.”
Former Assemblyman and RNC Committeeman Joe Brown:
“We must safeguard the dignity of the vote and rebuild trust in our electoral process. It’s essential that every eligible American citizen can exercise their right to vote, and that every vote is counted accurately. Fair elections are crucial to maintaining the integrity of our government and ensuring a thriving society.”
Nevada Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro:
“As elected officials, we have a responsibility to put the well being of our state and nation above any partisan interests. Our elections in Nevada are fair and secure and I am happy to join friends from across the political spectrum who are committed to prioritizing the preservation of our democratic institutions.”
Former Nevada Governor Robert List:
“Fair and accurate elections are the keystone of democracy. It is imperative that elected officials work together to restore faith in the election process, safeguard the sacred right to vote, and ensure accurate election outcomes.”
Speaker of the Nevada State Assembly Steve Yeager:
“As Americans, we must ensure that every citizen can exercise their right to vote and that every vote is counted accurately. Nevada’s elections are fair and secure and I am proud to join this bipartisan coalition that is committed to restoring trust and faith in our elections.”
democracyFIRST already made its mark in Pennsylvania ahead of the November 2023 Municipal Elections. Notably, in the most electorally competitive counties, a significant majority of candidates who committed to the promise won their elections, a testament to the power of the effort’s shared principles.
Dangerous anti-democracy rhetoric has significantly weakened confidence—in the United States and around the world—in the values, processes, and institutions that keep our country prosperous and safe. In 2024, candidates for public office must commit to restoring faith and preserving our constitutional republic, no matter their ideological differences.
For media inquiries or to schedule interviews with coalition members, please contact [email protected].
For more information about the Wisconsin coalition and the democracyFIRST Promise, please visit www.democracyfirst.org/state/nevada/
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