FAQ's | Team Democracy

Why does the Safe & Fair Elections Pledge matter?

America should not be governed by elected officials who remain silent while the electoral process and our national security are being threatened. Commitment to Safe and Fair Elections, and the peaceful transfer of power, shouldn’t be controversial. The fact that in some quarters, it might be, suggests that The Election Pledge is a necessary mechanism for keeping intact this essential guardrail of American Democracy. More importantly, the Safe and Fair Election Pledge:

Gives voters a clear view of which candidates embrace Safe and Fair Elections, and which ones show reluctance.

Gives corporations and donors a clear and nonpartisan basis on which to support (or not support) a candidate.

Provides accountability by tracking adherence to the Pledge by elected officials who affirm it with their signature.

Why are safe and fair elections essential to our national security?

Our democracy depends upon our confidence in a safe and fair electoral process and the peaceful transfer of power. Divisiveness over these critical guardrails makes us weaker as a nation, and more vulnerable to domestic and foreign attacks. For centuries, our healthy democracy has been the foundation of our strength and our leadership around the globe. Democracy's demise cuts at the very heart of our national security.

Why should corporations care about this pledge?

Increasingly, corporate America finds itself caught in a potentially damaging no-man’s-land, at risk of boycotts or other forms of economic or political pushback as a result of either supporting or not supporting a particular candidate, or a particular piece of legislation. The Safe and Fair Elections Pledge gives corporations a rational, nonpartisan basis for excluding support for a candidate who either refuses to sign the Pledge, or who signs it and then ignores it. Letting candidates know that signing the Pledge is a pre-requisite to financial support may well be corporate America’s most effective means of speaking out in support of Democracy, and the democratic norms and institutions that ensure a healthy, safe and secure business environment for our future.

Why should voters care about this pledge?

Unfortunately, some will not but we believe that the overwhelming majority of Americans, including tens of millions from both sides of the aisle, still value democracy, and more than ever, want American elections to be safe, secure, and accessible. We believe those same Americans reject the violent attack of January 6th, and prefer to elect representatives who will make a repeat of January 6 less likely. For that vast majority of voters, the Safe and Fair Elections Pledge can play a significant role at the ballot box.

What makes this Pledge different?

The world is full of petitions and pledges – the kind of feel-good initiatives that get signed, shelved, and forgotten. The Safe and Fair Elections Pledge doesn’t “go away.” Its robust software and communications platforms allow it to track compliance, and to share its results with voters, with donors, and with other candidates. Accountability matters, and this Pledge holds signers (and non-signers) accountable in a very public and transparent way.

Is Team Democracy a 501c(3) non-profit organization?

Yes.

Is the Team Democracy Board of Directors politically diverse?

Yes, by design. And our two co-founders are a liberal and a conservative.

Who chairs the Team Democracy Board of Directors?

General Michael V. Hayden (Ret.), former CIA and NSA Director occupies this role. His nonpartisan service to diverse administrations characterizes the a-political values that Team Democracy's Election Pledge embraces.

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