AN OPEN LETTER: CURRENT AND FORMER DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE EMPLOYEES:PROTECT EVERY VOTER

The Justice Department’s recent call for employees to volunteer as election monitors brings renewed attention to a fundamental responsibility: protecting every eligible American’s ability to vote freely and have that vote counted. The reported September 10 recruitment email and accompanying letter from the Acting Deputy Attorney General, concerns federal monitoring assignments; our invitation is to serve through independent, nonpartisan election-protection programs.

The need for principled vigilance is clear. On September 10 in Dallas, President Trump led supporters in a pledge that included: “I don’t care if I’m registered or not, I’m going to try and cheat like hell, like they do.” The crowd laughed. Whatever the intended humor, a president should never normalize election cheating, or falsely accuse his political opponents and voters of fraud. Instead, a true leader would be calling for free and fair elections.

Meanwhile, Trump allies have called for ICE deployments at polling places, and administration officials have repeatedly declined to rule out federal agents’ presence. These statements warrant serious concern, even as officials have denied plans for operations targeting polling locations. Litigation may stop these illegal actions, but in the meantime, these threats create confusion and are likely to prompt third-party challenges, voter intimidation and ongoing false allegations of noncitizens voting.

Intimidation is unacceptable whether it comes from government personnel, private militias, or groups claiming to act on political leaders’ behalf. Volunteers should document observable conduct, avoid speculation about coordination, and report concerns through established channels.

We encourage everyone able to serve to volunteer, and to train before serving, to do so. For independent volunteer roles, seek preparation through reputable organizations outside the federal government:

• Election Protection, led by the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law: Opportunities include legal hotline assistance and nonpartisan poll monitoring.

• Common Cause’s Protect the Vote: Recruits, trains, and deploys nonpartisan volunteers to assist voters and identify voting obstacles.

• Become a poll worker: Helps direct citizens sign up to become poll workers in their city, county or town. Many jurisdictions need more poll workers and may pay for this important work. As a poll worker, you can help ensure that all eligible voters are able to vote, and ensure free and fair elections.

Learn the rules for your assigned location, respect election officials and voter privacy, and report problems accurately. Assist voters of every political affiliation. Do not confront suspected intimidators or circulate unverified claims. Election Protection’s 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) hotline provides a reporting and assistance channel. Voter-protection guidance

The Steady State brings together more than 445 former senior national security and homeland security officials, Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. We believe defending democratic values is a shared civic responsibility. While the Department’s invitation may be illegal and may be intended to assist President Trump in his ongoing efforts to interfere in the midterm elections, your participation does not have to serve that aim.

Volunteer. Get trained. Help ensure that every eligible voter can participate without fear.

The Steady State

Founded in 2016, The Steady State is a nonprofit 501(c)(4) organization of more than 400 former senior national security professionals. Our membership includes former officials from the CIA, FBI, Department of State, Department of Defense, and Department of Homeland Security. Drawing on deep expertise across national security disciplines, including intelligence, diplomacy, military affairs, and law, we advocate for constitutional democracy, the rule of law, and the preservation of America’s national security institutions.