To preserve the integrity of our elections, language matters

The fair and impartial administration of elections is the cornerstone of a healthy democracy. As former chairs of both the Republican National Committee and the Democratic National Committee, we have witnessed firsthand the critical work performed by the thousands of election workers nationwide who have dedicated their careers — and risked their own safety — to keep our democratic processes free and fair.

We always accepted the outcome of elections, even when our candidates came up short. That’s why we stand together to condemn the ongoing efforts to undermine the integrity of our elections and those who espouse inflammatory rhetoric designed to sow doubt and erode public confidence in our sacred system of self-government. 

When voters cast their ballots, they must have certainty that their voices will be heard and their votes will be counted accurately. This trust is not a partisan issue — it is a fundamental tenet of our democracy that must be upheld by all parties and individuals. And having seen these systems and procedures up close, we can confidently say that our elections are safe and secure because they are administered by trained election officials at the state and county level who use sophisticated and validated processes for counting ballots, and security checklists to ensure that only legitimate ballots are counted.

In recent years, however, we have seen disturbing efforts to sow doubt and distrust in our electoral system. Conspiracy theories, disinformation campaigns and baseless allegations of widespread fraud have all contributed to a climate of uncertainty and division. This dangerous rhetoric not only undermines public confidence in our elections but also erodes the foundation of our democracy.

As former leaders of our respective parties, we understand the power of political speech. We also recognize the responsibility that comes with that power. It is incumbent upon all of us to choose our words carefully and to refrain from spreading falsehoods or inciting violence. While candidates and party leaders have an incentive to rally their base and persuade voters to cast ballots, the consequences of reckless hyperboles can be devastating, leading to distrust, polarization and even threats of violence against election officials.

Nonpartisan local election officials are on the front lines of our democracy, working tirelessly to ensure that every eligible voter can participate in free and fair elections. These public servants deserve our full support and gratitude, yet far too often they are subjected to threats, harassment, and even violence simply for doing their jobs. 

Nearly three in four local election administrators believe that “threats against election officials have increased in recent years,” and even more disturbing, nearly one in three report that “they have personally been abused, harassed, or threatened because of their job as a local election official.”

We cannot allow this kind of rancor to prosper. We must reject attempts to politicize election administration and instead uplift the principles of fairness and transparency. Election officials should be able to carry out their duties without fear of reprisal, and we urge our political leaders to promote a culture of civility in our political discourse, not acrimony. 

Because election administrators take their responsibilities seriously, we also may not know the outcome of every election on Election Day itself, even if media organizations make projections. As they have done in previous elections, election officials will count and verify every legitimate vote before the election is certified. This takes time and patience. 

Take it from us, it’s possible to have robust debates and disagreements with one another without resorting to personal attacks or degrading our entire democratic process. Our democracy thrives when we engage in meaningful dialogue and work together to find common ground. It also means that we count every eligible vote, accept the outcome of our elections and transfer power peacefully. This is a tradition upheld by both parties, and it is our collective responsibility to protect and preserve our republic for future generations.

Donna Brazile is a former chair of the Democratic National Committee. Michael Steele is a former chair of the Republican National Committee and former lieutenant governor of Maryland. They are members of Issue One’s bipartisan National Council on Election Integrity.