“For our democracy to endure, Americans must be free to casT their ballots, candidates free to run for office, election officials and poll workers able to fulfill their vital role without the threat of violence.”

WHO ARE WE AND WHY DID WE PRODUCE THIS REPORT?

In the spring of 2024, a group of senior law enforcement officials, national security analysts, attorneys, legal scholars and others initiated discussions that led to this report.

They were motivated by their shared concern for the future of the country. They had confidence in the resilience of American society––faith that American common sense would prevail. But they also worried that the country’s deep divisions and dark mood could propel even minor incidents of violence during the election cycle into a dangerous national crisis.