WASHINGTON, D.C. — After an increase in threats to democracy, U.S. Senator Angus King has joined his colleagues to cosponsor a resolution honoring 2024 as the National Year of Democracy.

Democracy is under attack across the world. According to a report published in 2022, 61 countries have seen a “significant” increase in threats to the electoral process, civil and political rights, and the strength of government institutions since 2017.  Furthermore, global levels of democracy have steadily declined since the mid-2000s. Democratic values are also under attack in the United States, with a growing movement to oppose the peaceful transition of power following an election, as well as the rising influence of misinformation.

“The peaceful transfer of power we enjoy in America is a historic anomaly – and one we should be proud to defend and protect,” said Senator King. “This resolution encourages Americans to reflect on the merits of democracy and on the example that our system of government provides to the world. In the face of state-level threats that undercut the fundamental right to vote for millions of Americans, Congress must continue to recognize the importance of voting and encourage continued civics education so that all Americans can continue to reap the benefits of our unique experiment in self-government.”

Senator King is an active, vocal supporter of democratic values and freedom. Earlier this fall, he introduced the Voter Choice Act to support the adoption of a ranked choice voting (RCV) model for federal elections – and also previously introduced the Freedom to Vote Act, which would set basic national standards for voting rights, end partisan gerrymandering and help eliminate the undue influence of secret money in our elections. He also released the draft Electoral Count Modernization Act to shape the conversation around establishing clear, consistent, and fair procedures for the counting and certification of electoral votes for the presidency. This past September, Senator King also introduced a resolution to recognize the month as “National Voting Rights Month.”

In addition to Senator King, the bill is cosponsored by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mike Braun (R-IN), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Bob Casey (D-PA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Chris Coons (D-DE), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Jon Tester (D-MT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), and Sherrod Brown (D-OH).

Full text of the resolution is available here.

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