Statement of Principles on Elections
| Model Bill Info | |
|---|---|
| Bill Title | Statement of Principles on Elections |
| Date Introduced | July 18, 2025 |
| Type | Statement of Principle |
| Status | Draft |
| Task Forces | Process and Procedures |
| Keywords | Process and Procedures |
Statement of Principles on Elections
Guiding Principles of Elections
The fundamental principles presented here provide guidance for neutral and effective processes and procedures for elections.
Security and Accessibility – It should be easy for the average citizen to vote, but convenience should never come at the expense of security. States should establish core safeguards that protect election integrity and inspire public confidence and participation in the voting process. Representative – The purpose of election law is to ensure a fair and orderly system that holds government accountable to the citizenry. Election policies should not be established to tilt elections in favor of particular outcomes, and policymakers should ensure that only citizens are able to vote in federal, state, and local elections. Stability and Uniformity – Election laws should be applied evenly throughout a state and provide certainty to voters and election officials alike. Changes to voting procedures during an election should be avoided. Reliability – Election laws should be designed to deliver prompt and accurate results. Transparency – Election administration should never be hidden from the public. Every stage of the voting process, from registration through tabulation, should be visible to the public. Accountability – Elections should always be administered according to the laws crafted by elected legislators, and those laws should be fully enforced. Federalism – Policymakers should protect America’s decentralized election system and the primary role that states play regulating and conducting elections.
Benefits of Principled of Elections
Higher turnout – When citizens see that elections are secure and well-run, they are more likely to vote. That leads to more representative elections at all levels of government and hold government accountable to the citizenry. Greater confidence – The public is more likely to trust an election that is transparent and administered according to the law, particularly when those laws are designed to ensure a fair process rather than influence the eventual results. Integrity – Effective safeguards and proper enforcement deter bad actors from abusing the voting process, while sending a powerful message to the public that the foundation of republican self-government is secure.