On November 5, 2024, the American people delivered a decisive message. The election of Donald J. Trump, winning both the popular vote and the electoral college, including every swing state, alongside a Senate majority and a pending House lead, was more than a victory—it was a clear rebuttal to the failing narratives and divisive agendas that have clouded our national discourse. In the face of an overwhelming and unified statement from the electorate, a ray of hope cuts through the media fog of partisan leftwing narratives. Americans rejected the relentless attacks on Christianity, American exceptionalism, secure borders, small businesses, energy independence, authentic education, true healthcare, natural food, and the protection of life.
We are standing firm against policies that threaten foundational values, refusing to yield to agendas that force young women to compete unfairly in sports or share bathrooms, showers, and dorm rooms with individuals of the opposite gender. The message is clear: Americans want authentic, common-sense leadership. We the People, have seen through the false narratives pushed by the liberal media, recognizing that we are united by values far stronger than any political divide.
It should not be overlooked that this victory was largely made possible because of the dedicated election integrity observers and the officials working quietly in the background who defended the process. The election integrity movement, initiated by Cleta Mitchell’s vision for an accountable and transparent election system and now led by Lynn Taylor, is restoring faith in our nation’s elections. Observers followed the Election Integrity Network (EIN) golden rule: “Be right, but be polite.” They maintained a respectful, firm approach and kept their composure, allowing them to stand their ground as watchdogs for fair, law-abiding elections. Their steadfast presence and keen observation helped prevent and detect errors, reinforcing confidence in the system.
A parallel vision emerged in Virginia when a few longtime conservative women recognized that election integrity would require oversight from dedicated citizens, as it was not a priority for any political party. This blueprint for the “Virginia Model” eventually merged with Cleta Mitchell’s Election Integrity Network to create a powerful coalition united by one mission: honest and transparent elections, regardless of political affiliation. The focus, in Virginia and across the nation, has never been on which candidate was favored but solely on ensuring that every vote cast is counted honestly and reflects the people’s true will. The voting process in every precinct must operate without interference, mismanagement, or secrecy—shielded from any dishonest actors who might seek to manipulate the outcome. Thankfully, most of those overseeing our elections are dedicated, law-abiding citizens who strive to fulfill their duties with integrity and transparency.
American voters owe Cleta Mitchell, Lynn Taylor, and their staff a debt of gratitude and recognition for leading these efforts. They have endured countless attacks from the media for their hard work. How did we reach a point where upholding fundamental freedoms is painted as divisive? But the real thanks go to the thousands of Americans who volunteered their time, energy, and resources to make this vision a reality. These citizens sacrificed hundreds of upon hundreds of hours to meeting and training to gain a full understanding of the election process to engage deeply in election oversight: meeting with local registrars, scrutinizing voter rolls, verifying addresses, questioning citizenship verification, analyzing the appointment of election officials, inspecting voting machine protocols, securing ballots, and ensuring accessible polling locations. These patriots’ diligence, courtesy, and determination underscore their role as defenders of electoral freedom. These efforts reflect the training and leadership provided by the Election Integrity Network, whose guidance created a movement with the knowledge and strength to secure the ballot box for every American.
The election officials who followed the law with integrity and commitment deserve thanks and recognition. These public servants ensured lawful operations within their offices, maintained staff compliance with election regulations, and upheld access for poll watchers, honoring transparency and the rule of law. Their actions remind us that the commitment to honest elections runs deeper than any political divide—it resides in the actions of dedicated citizens and officials alike.
As we look to the future, we recognize that work remains to secure our electoral systems. But today, let us pause to honor both the election integrity volunteers and the officials who made this trustworthy election possible. In a time when so many seek to cast doubt on our processes, these Americans demonstrated to the world our commitment to fairness, transparency, and the unyielding right to free and honest elections. Tomorrow, we will move forward, determined to rouse our legislators from complacency and work tirelessly to pass long-overdue legislation that will safeguard our elections and ensure that every vote is counted in accordance with the law.
To the leaders of the election integrity movement, the devoted election officials, and each volunteer who contributed their time, resources, and care to ensure an honest election—thank you. You have done more than protect a single election; you have safeguarded the very foundation of democracy itself.
Godspeed,
Melody Clarke
-Clarke was most recently Executive Director at Follow the Law, a group of lawyers committed to ensuring elections are free and fair and represent the true votes of all American citizens. She previously worked with both the Virginia Institute for Public Policy and the Election Integrity Network.
