Legislative Opportunities to Protect Presidential Elections and Electors

‍American democracy is at a tipping point. Threats against election officials have surged, and presidential electors could be the next target. In a close national race, it could take just one elector defying certified results to throw the entire presidential election into chaos, potentially undermining the will of the voters and the legitimacy of the election.

Presidential electors — the individuals who cast votes in the Electoral College — could become targets of intimidation, coercion, or manipulation. In a razor-thin national election, just one rogue elector could cast a ballot that contradicts the state’s certified election results — and tip the outcome of the presidency.

This is not a hypothetical concern. We've already seen troubling attempts in other states, and the trend is clear: our system is only as strong as the safeguards we put in place.

‍The Fix Is Simple

We are proud to be part of a coalition advancing solutions to this problem. While 24 states and the District of Columbia already have such protections in place, that leaves 26 states vulnerable to electoral turmoil. Those remaining states have the opportunity to close this dangerous loophole and defend the integrity of our elections by passing legislation that would:

• Ensure that Electors must vote according to certified election results.
• Any attempt to vote “unfaithfully” is stopped immediately.
• A backup elector is appointed on the spot — no delays, no disruption.

This type of legislation is not a matter of red or blue, right or left, but of protecting the integrity of our democracy. Protecting voters’ will is not partisan — it’s patriotic.

Why Protections are Critical Now

Passing presidential electoral protections will:

• Safeguard the states’ voices in presidential elections
• Protect community leaders who serve as electors from manipulation
• Set a national example ahead of the critical 2028 election

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A National Impact

Strengthening our system at the state level contributes to a more resilient democracy nationwide. By prioritizing electoral accountability, states can help prevent crises before they occur and set an example of responsible election policy nationwide.

Coalition members

Brennan Center for Justice
Campaign Legal Center
Election Reformers Network
Fair Vote Action
National Popular Vote
Protect Democracy

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