WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — Led in part by Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, a coalition of 51 United States attorneys general has called for a peaceful presidential election; a bipartisan joint statement highlighted the importance of safeguarding democratic principles and the rule of law.
Tong is joined by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum and Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, who are co-leading the coalition of 47 other state attorneys general demanding peace nationwide on and after Nov. 5, regardless of if Donald Trump or Kamala Harris wins the presidential election.
The group issued a statement that says no matter the outcome of Tuesday’s election, they expect that Americans will respond peacefully. The coalition condemns any acts of violence related to the results.
“A peaceful transfer of power is the highest testament to the rule of law, a tradition that stands at the heart of our nation's stability,” the coalition says. “As Attorneys General, we affirm our commitment to protect our communities and uphold the democratic principles we serve.”
The coalition calls upon every American to vote, participate in civil discourse and, above all, respect the integrity of the democratic process.
“Let us come together after this election not divided by outcomes but united in our shared commitment to the rule of law and safety of all Americans,” the coalition says. “Violence has no place in the democratic process; we will exercise our authority to enforce the law against any illegal acts that threaten it.”
According to a release from Tong’s office, the statement comes after recent national polls highlighted widespread concerns among US residents about possible unrest following the election. The attorneys general recognized the gravity of the concerns and released their joint message on Monday, underscoring the responsibility of elected leaders to maintain public order, promote national unity and remind Americans of the importance of civil discourse.
Tong’s office says that Tong, Yost, Rosenblum and Kobach worked to gain the support of attorneys general from Alabama, Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, North Mariana islands, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
The coalition strongly encourages other leaders and Americans across the country to “join in upholding these shared values and preserving the nation’s foundational legacy,” Tongs office says.
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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