California Leaders Stand Together to Protect Our Elections and Uphold Democracy

A statewide coalition of 40 business, philanthropic, faith, and civic organizations affirms a shared commitment to free, fair, secure, and accessible elections.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CALIFORNIA, November 2, 2026 — On the eve of election day, leaders across California are coming together to affirm a set of principles that transcend political affiliation, institutional interests, and differences in perspective: the right of every eligible voter to participate, the integrity of our elections, and the importance of protecting the democratic institutions on which our communities depend.

Convened by Coro California and the Weingart Foundation, We Stand Together for California’s Elections is a nonpartisan statement of shared commitment to election integrity, the rule of law, and the public servants entrusted with administering our elections.

In a matter of days, 40 organizations spanning business, philanthropy, faith, and civic leadership joined this collective affirmation, reflecting the breadth of institutions and communities that recognize democracy as a shared responsibility.

The coalition brings together organizations representing different sectors, constituencies, geographies, and perspectives. While their missions may differ, their commitment in this moment is shared. They are united by the understanding that the strength of our democracy depends not on agreement about every issue or electoral outcome, but on a common commitment to the legitimacy, fairness, and integrity of the democratic process itself.

“Democracy is sustained not only at the ballot box, but through the everyday leadership of people and institutions across our communities,” said Natalie Samarjian, President and CEO of Coro California. “At Coro, we believe that our ability to navigate differences, build trust, and uphold shared democratic principles is fundamental to a thriving society. This coalition reflects something powerful: leaders from different sectors and perspectives coming together around commitments that transcend any one election or political outcome. That shared responsibility is what makes our democracy stronger.”

“Democracy depends on more than the act of voting. It depends on our shared commitment to protecting the rights, institutions, and processes that make every vote count. At a time when so much divides us, this coalition reminds us that we can hold different perspectives and still stand together for the principles that sustain our democracy. This is about our collective responsibility to protect a democracy that belongs to all of us,” said Joanna S. Jackson, President and CEO of the Weingart Foundation.

Democratic institutions are sustained not only by laws and procedures, but by the public trust, civic participation, and collective stewardship that give them legitimacy.

The statement outlines five essential commitments: protecting the rights of eligible voters, upholding election integrity and the rule of law, standing with election officials and workers, safeguarding voter information and public trust, and respecting the lawful democratic process.

It also recognizes the thousands of election officials and workers across California who carry out the essential responsibility of administering elections. Their ability to perform this work safely, independently, and without intimidation or improper interference is fundamental to public confidence in our democracy.

This effort is not intended to advance a partisan position, endorse a candidate, or advocate for a particular electoral outcome. Rather, it makes visible the breadth of shared commitment across California’s civic, economic, philanthropic, and faith communities. By lending their names to these principles, participating organizations demonstrate that protecting the integrity of our elections is a collective responsibility that extends beyond any single institution, sector, or political moment.

The coalition welcomes additional organizations and leaders who share these principles to add their names to the statement, as the convening organizations look to strengthen this statewide effort in the years ahead.

Read the full statement and view the coalition of signatories.

Issued jointly by Coro California and the Weingart Foundation, on behalf of the signatories to We Stand Together for California’s Elections.

Coro California is a statewide nonprofit organization that trains, empowers, and connects leaders across sectors and generations to strengthen democracy and tackle society’s most complex challenges together. Their vision is a thriving democracy led by people in every sector, at every level of leadership, and across communities, who bridge differences, navigate complexity, and lead in service of the greater good — advancing California’s communities toward a more just, connected, and resilient future. Learn more at www.coroca.org.

The Weingart Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation advancing racial, social and economic justice in Southern California. Founded in 1951 by Ben and Stella Weingart, the Foundation has provided over $1 billion in grants and loans to thousands of organizations across the region. By strengthening organizations focused on providing critical services and building power in communities of color, the Weingart Foundation is demonstrating what is possible when we invest and trust in our partners.