IAVA is partnering with democracyFirst to encourage our leaders and fellow Americans alike to unite to protect our democracy and the rule of law in 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
September 10, 2024
CONTACT: press@iava.org

Washington, DC — As our nation begins to zero in on the 2024 Presidential race and tonight’s debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is calling on both candidates to commit to the democracyFirst Promise. Now more than ever we need elected leaders – especially those who are auditioning to be the next Commander in Chief – who are willing to put our country, republic, and democracy first.

“Much will be debated on the stage in Philadelphia tonight, but there are a few key American principles that should never be up for debate,” said IAVA CEO Allison Jaslow. “What we’re asking of the Presidential candidates is simple. Stand with us. Stand up for America and what we have here in our country. What us veterans fought for and are ready to fight for again.”

The democracyFirst Promise demands that our elected leaders support every American citizen’s freedom to vote in a safe and free election, denounce any and all political violence, do not propagate false information about elections and the electoral process, and accept the final election results, concede if they lose, and support a peaceful transfer of power. 

More about the democracyFirst citizens promise can be found here, and the democracyFirst promise for elected leaders and candidates can be found here.

“The principles outlined in the democracyFirst promise are common sense. They’re about respect for the checks and balances defined in our Constitution, and preserving our democratic institutions, and norms, which protect the rights, freedoms, liberties, and opportunities guaranteed to all Americans,” continued Jaslow. “That’s why IAVA is proud to commit to the democracyFirst promise. Why we’re asking our members to do the same. And why we’re demanding that any leaders that want our votes commit to the democracyFirst promise as well.” 

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America is the leading voice of the Post-9/11 generation of America’s veterans. We represent over 425,000 members, and our best-in-class, non-partisan advocacy on behalf of the Post-9/11 generation of veterans has chalked up big wins for our community – and America – for nearly 20 years.

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