Statement: Bipartisan National Council on Election Integrity urges all Americans to embrace peace, patience, and patriotism this year — before, on, and after Election Day

In the wake of new reports that police departments across the country are preparing for the prospect of potential unrest on Election Day, the National Council on Election Integrity — a bipartisan group of more than 40 government, political, and civic leaders — issued the following statement:

“While Americans have a constitutional right to protest, it is more important than ever for all Americans to be peaceful as they express their views about the election. Violence at polling places and voter intimidation of any kind will not be tolerated by law enforcement. While tensions are high at this moment in history, every American has a duty to remain calm before, on, and after Election Day. By embracing peace, patience, and patriotism, Democrats, Republicans, and independents alike can all safely and securely cast their ballots this year. For more than 240 years, our country has held successful elections through good times and bad, and this year will be no different.”