October 28, 2020 — New York
Ahead of Election Day in the United States, American Jewish Committee (AJC), a leading non-partisan advocacy organization, issued a statement today reaffirming the fundamental principles core to American democracy. These principles apply no matter which candidate for President one supports.
The full AJC statement is below:
Pre-Election Statement of Rights and Values
Since its founding in 1906, American Jewish Committee (AJC) has been committed to the American ideals of democracy, pluralism, and civil and human rights. AJC does not endorse political candidates. We believe, however, that whichever candidate wins the upcoming Presidential election, it is important that all Americans, including our elected officials regardless of political affiliation, reaffirm the rights and the democratic values that have distinguished our country and serve as a beacon of liberty around the globe.
We are experiencing a time when our differences on many issues appear acute, contentious and even irreconcilable. In times such as these, it is even more important to consider and remind ourselves of the shared values that have long united us. These include, among others, a free press, an impartial judiciary, equal rights under the law, the unfettered expression of political views, and respect for human dignity.
The ability of all citizens to cast meaningful votes is embedded in our Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and subsequent amendments. It is a cornerstone of our democracy.
At AJC, we are committed to the principle that all those eligible to vote have a right to do so without being subject to fear or intimidation. And all voters are entitled to the assurance of knowing that their votes will be counted and in a process that is free from foreign interference. Finally, whatever the election results, Americans expect, and are entitled to, an orderly transfer of power at all levels of government.
Despite the contentiousness on the surface of our society today, in the run up to this election it is our adherence to these core rights and shared values that will preserve our democracy now and for future generations.
American Jewish Committee is a non-partisan 501(c)(3) not-for-profit entity that neither endorses nor opposes candidates for elective office.
