Sandoval, Perkins applaud Washoe County Commission's vote to certify recount results

As co-chairs of Democracy Defense Project (DDP) in Nevada, safeguarding the integrity of our electoral process is our utmost priority. We, two former elected officials in Nevada — one Republican and one Democrat — profoundly understand and appreciate the critical role that free and fair elections play in upholding our democratic values. This is why we applaud the recent decision by the Washoe County Commission to certify the recount results of the 2024 primary election.

DDP in Nevada is dedicated to preserving transparency and ensuring the validity of our state's elections. The commission's decision to revisit the canvassing of the recount results underscores the commitment to addressing public concerns and bolstering confidence in our electoral system. Further, DDP stands firm in advocating for measures that enhance fairness, transparency, and security in our electoral processes, rising above partisan divides.

In particular, we commend commissioners Clara Andriola, Alexis Hill, Mariluz Garcia and Mike Clark for upholding the law and fulfilling their mandate to certify the election results. Their decision not only adheres to electoral standards, but it also sets aside the hollow narrative promoted by those who seek to undermine our election system.

We respect differing political opinions and consider it essential to honest political discourse; however, we must emphasize that failing to certify accurate election results would have set a dangerous precedent. Each Nevada county's responsibility in thoroughly vetting and certifying election results is crucial to maintaining public trust and ensuring the legitimacy of our elections.

In our view, it is imperative that we recognize the importance of this process in stabilizing the foundational principles of our Republic. Legitimate challenges to election outcomes have arisen historically and remain an important component of the integrity of our elections and we will always defend that ability to request a recount so long as it complies with election laws.

We call upon all Nevadans to support efforts that strengthen our electoral integrity, because it is through these efforts that we secure the future of our democracy.

Brian Sandoval, former governor of Nevada, and Richard Perkins, former speaker of the Nevada Assembly, are co-chairs of the Democracy Defense Project.

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This article originally appeared on Reno Gazette Journal: Sandoval, Perkins applaud Washoe County Commission's vote to certify recount results