
principles for trusted elections
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Created by the Election Protection Coalition, this guide provides ready-to-use messaging, talking points, and resources to help communities address voter concerns, counter misinformation, and respond to potential election challenges. It offers practical guidance on supporting voters before, during, and after elections — from making a voting plan to navigating threats of intimidation or misinformation. Use it to equip your team or network with clear, nonpartisan messages that build confidence in the process, protect voter rights, and keep participation safe and accessible.
Published by the Brennan Center for Justice, this guide breaks down common misconceptions about voting and offers clear, fact-based explanations. It addresses topics like voter fraud, mail-in voting, and election security, using evidence to counter false claims. Use it to share reliable information, debunk harmful myths, and reinforce public confidence in how elections are run.
Published by Beyond Conflict, this research report examines the psychological drivers of division in the United States, including misperceptions about political opponents and the role of identity in shaping beliefs. It offers insights into how reducing “perception gaps” can foster empathy and rebuild trust. Use it to better understand the forces fueling polarization and to design approaches that make election conversations more constructive and credible.
Published by Verified Voting, this resource explains the difference between post-election audits and recounts, clarifying how each process works to ensure election accuracy. It highlights the safeguards built into the system that confirm results are correct and trustworthy. Use it to deepen your understanding of these verification tools and to share accurate information that builds public confidence in election outcomes.
This Gallup poll report examines shifting public perceptions of election integrity in the United States, highlighting growing partisan divides. It provides data on how confidence in the electoral process varies across political affiliations and over time. Use it to understand the current trust landscape and to inform strategies for addressing concerns and bridging divides around elections.
Braver Angels offers interactive workshops that bring together people with different political views to share experiences, build understanding, and find common ground. These sessions strengthen the trust and relationships communities need to talk about elections and democracy in ways that bridge divides. Participating can help you develop practical skills for engaging constructively — even when conversations get difficult.
Published by Protect Democracy, this guide explains the legal and procedural role of local officials in certifying election results and the risks when certification is delayed or refused. It outlines best practices for ensuring transparency, accuracy, and public trust in the process. Use it to understand how certification works, why it matters, and how communities can respond if the process is threatened.
Published by the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, this guide offers practical strategies for recognizing and responding to speech that could incite division or violence. By helping communities address harmful rhetoric before it escalates, it supports the kind of respectful civic climate where elections can be discussed and debated in good faith. Use it to strengthen your skills in countering dangerous narratives while keeping conversations constructive and grounded in shared democratic values.
This playbook from the Constructive Dialogue Institute offers a step-by-step guide for hosting conversations about elections that are respectful, inclusive, and solutions-focused. It helps communities navigate sensitive topics, reduce polarization, and foster understanding before, during, and after elections. Use it to plan dialogues that build trust, strengthen civic relationships, and keep conversations productive — even in moments of tension.
Developed by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), this guide compiles tools, best practices, and training to help election officials and stakeholders protect the security and integrity of elections. It covers topics like cybersecurity, physical security, and incident response planning. Use it to strengthen safeguards around election infrastructure and build public confidence that every vote is cast and counted as intended.
Developed by Interfaith America, this playbook equips faith communities with practical steps to support safe, accessible, and trusted elections. It offers guidance on nonpartisan voter education, combating misinformation, and creating welcoming spaces for civic participation. Use it to mobilize your congregation or faith network in ways that strengthen trust, encourage respectful dialogue, and ensure everyone’s voice can be heard.
Created by Millions of Conversations, this guide offers tools for hosting respectful, values-based conversations about challenging issues in your community. It focuses on building relationships across lines of difference, fostering mutual understanding, and countering polarization. Use it to design dialogues that strengthen trust, open space for honest discussion about democracy and elections, and encourage collaboration toward shared goals.
Published by More in Common, this report explores practical ways to engage in meaningful conversations with people who hold different views. It draws on research into communication strategies that reduce polarization and build understanding. Use it to strengthen your skills in navigating difficult election-related discussions while fostering trust and shared commitment to democratic participation.
Living Room Conversations offers free, easy-to-use guides for hosting respectful, small-group conversations on a wide range of topics — including several focused specifically on elections and democracy. Each guide provides open-ended questions and tips to foster understanding across differences. Use them to create spaces where community members can talk about elections, build trust, and strengthen relationships that make democratic participation more resilient.
Developed by Beyond Conflict, this guide draws on neuroscience to explain how people process information, form beliefs, and respond to messages — particularly in polarized contexts. It offers practical strategies for framing communication in ways that reduce defensiveness, build understanding, and motivate constructive action. Use it to craft election-related messages that resonate across divides and strengthen public trust in democratic processes.
Developed by Beyond Conflict, this guide draws on neuroscience to explain how people process information, form beliefs, and respond to messages — particularly in polarized contexts. It offers practical strategies for framing communication in ways that reduce defensiveness, build understanding, and motivate constructive action. Use it to craft election-related messages that resonate across divides and strengthen public trust in democratic processes.
The One America Movement offers interactive workshops that bring together people from diverse backgrounds to address division, build understanding, and collaborate on shared challenges. Sessions provide practical tools for navigating disagreements, strengthening community bonds, and engaging constructively on issues like democracy and elections. Use them to practice the skills that help sustain trust and connection across differences.
Hosted by Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement (PACE), these salons bring together diverse leaders to explore pressing questions about democracy, civic life, and trust. They model open, respectful dialogue on complex issues and offer inspiration for how communities can navigate differences constructively. Use them to spark ideas, deepen understanding, and strengthen your approach to fostering a healthy democratic culture.
Developed by the Multi-Faith Neighbors Network, this toolkit equips faith leaders and community members with strategies to reduce conflict, foster understanding, and strengthen relationships across divides. It includes practical steps for addressing tensions around elections and other civic issues in ways that promote peace and trust. Use it to prepare your community to navigate disagreement constructively and keep dialogue open during challenging times.
Power the Polls by Citizen Connect connects people with opportunities to serve as nonpartisan poll workers in their communities. By helping ensure polling places are well-staffed and accessible, volunteers play a direct role in making elections run smoothly and fairly. Use it to take concrete action that supports voter access, reduces wait times, and builds public confidence in the electoral process.
Produced by Beyond Conflict, this report explores strategies for strengthening U.S. democracy amid rapid demographic, cultural, and political change. Drawing on social science research, it offers recommendations for fostering inclusion, addressing polarization, and building trust in institutions — especially elections. Use it to inform programs and messages that connect across differences and reinforce the shared values that underpin democratic participation.
Produced by More in Common, this report examines how Americans’ shared democratic values can coexist with sharply different perceptions of how elections work and who they benefit. It identifies opportunities for bridging these gaps through dialogue, accurate information, and trust-building. Use it to understand the narratives shaping public opinion and to design outreach that connects across divides while reinforcing confidence in elections.
Offered by MediaWise, this free text-message course teaches practical skills for identifying false or misleading information online. Through short, interactive lessons, it equips participants to verify sources, recognize common misinformation tactics, and share accurate information with others. Use it to strengthen your ability — and your community’s — to navigate election-related content with confidence and help stop the spread of harmful falsehoods.
Created by the One America Movement, this guide offers practical tips for having respectful, values-based conversations with people who see the world differently. It focuses on listening well, asking good questions, and finding common ground — even on sensitive topics like elections. Use it to strengthen relationships, reduce polarization, and keep dialogue open in your community.
Created by Redeeming Babel, The After Party is a free video-based course for Christians seeking to engage faithfully and constructively in politics. It explores how to move beyond partisan division, build understanding, and embody values that strengthen democratic culture. Use it to reflect on your own role in civic life and to model conversations about elections and public issues rooted in respect and trust.
Published by More in Common, this report highlights the role of social connection in reducing division and strengthening democratic culture. It explores how building relationships across differences can increase resilience against misinformation and polarization, especially around elections. Use it to design engagement strategies that foster trust, deepen civic bonds, and make democratic participation feel more inclusive and welcoming.
This resource from Over Zero outlines the typical phases when election-related violence can occur and offers guidance for prevention at each stage. By understanding these patterns, communities can take proactive steps to protect the safety, fairness, and legitimacy of the electoral process. Use it to anticipate risks, plan constructive interventions, and help ensure elections remain peaceful and trusted.
Developed by the One America Movement, this toolkit helps leaders recognize the impact of trauma — both individual and collective — on how people engage with one another. It offers strategies for creating safe, supportive spaces where difficult conversations about democracy, elections, and community issues can happen with care. Use it to approach civic engagement in ways that build trust, reduce harm, and foster resilience in your community.
Produced by Convergence, this report shares insights from cross-partisan dialogues exploring how Americans with different perspectives view elections and what can be done to strengthen confidence in the process. It identifies areas of common ground, highlights key challenges, and offers recommendations for building public trust. Use it to deepen your understanding of diverse viewpoints and inform strategies that make elections more transparent, inclusive, and credible.
Vote.gov is the official U.S. government website for voter registration and election information. It provides clear, state-specific guidance on how to register, update your information, and prepare to cast your ballot. Use it to ensure you and your community have accurate, up-to-date information — a key step in protecting access, participation, and trust in the electoral process.
The VoteRiders Partner Toolkit provides ready-to-use materials to help organizations educate voters about ID requirements in their state. It includes messaging guides, printable resources, and outreach templates to ensure voters have what they need to cast a ballot successfully. Use it to support your community in navigating voter ID laws, preventing confusion at the polls, and building confidence that every eligible vote will count.
Published by The Carter Center, this guide offers practical tools to help election officials, and their teams, recognize and manage stress, burnout, and trauma arising from the intense pressures of their work. By supporting mental and physical resilience, it strengthens the foundation of public trust in elections, because healthy officials are better equipped to conduct democratic processes with integrity. Use it to implement wellness strategies, tap into mental health resources, and build safer, more supportive environments for all who administer and protect our elections.
By signing the Principles Pledges, you're joining thousands of Americans working to protect the freedoms and democratic values we all share.
Trust starts with action, and it starts with you.