Keep Our Republic, a non-partisan non-profit dedicated to protecting a republic of laws and strengthening the checks and balances of our democratic electoral system, officially launched election education efforts in Wisconsin. These hyper-localized efforts will build trust, respect and confidence in Wisconsin’s election administration and educate Wisconsin residents about the post-Election Day process of canvassing and certification of votes.
As America approaches her 250th birthday, ensuring the integrity and credibility of our electoral system is crucial to upholding American democracy. Keep Our Republic is committed to providing Wisconsin residents with accurate and trustworthy information, while fostering acceptance of election outcomes.
“This is not just a Democratic or Republican issue; this is an American issue,” said Executive Director Ari Mittleman. “It is only through bipartisanship, trust and vigilance that we will withstand recent and ongoing attempts to disrupt the election certification process.”
Wisconsin State Director Kathy Bernier, former State Senate Chairwoman and Chippewa County Clerk, leads Keep Our Republic’s bipartisan efforts in Wisconsin.
“We all know that denying election results is and will continue to harm our republic, but there certainly are other threats to our democracy,” said Bernier. “We must learn from concerns over past elections and remain focused on the future. Keep Our Republic will stay true to our mission – to discover, highlight and help prevent an array of extraordinary threats to American democracy. I am proud to be a part of an incredible bipartisan team that recognizes these unconventional threats and is willing to take action.”
The bipartisan Wisconsin Advisory Council, featuring individuals with diverse backgrounds, party affiliations and regional perspectives, will utilize their expertise to bolster civic educational efforts across Wisconsin about the election process.
“We are former elected and appointed officials from both parties, burdened by our deep understanding of the threats to our electoral system and buoyed by our patriotism,” said former Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton. “Even more than a shared project of public civic education, Keep Our Republic is a demonstration of determined non-partisan action to strengthen all that protects our beloved democracy, and an invitation to all in Wisconsin to join us.”
“During my time in Wisconsin politics, we certainly had our partisan battles, but we stood together when it came to the fundamental principle of defending our republic,” said former Gov. Tommy Thompson. “The eyes of the nation will be on Wisconsin once again in 2024. We may not agree on everything, but we all can do our part to lower the temperature and strengthen our democracy.”
Our democratic institutions and Constitution endured an unprecedented stress test during and after the 2020 election. As Wisconsin approaches the 2024 presidential election, our electoral process remains vulnerable to significant threats, including baseless challenges to election results, disputes over certification of electors, potential interference from foreign actors, civil disorder and the rise of domestic extremists.
“January 6, 2021 changed everything for me as I saw the damage that was done by a politician who could not accept the people’s choice for President. Our republic was at risk,” said former U.S. Rep. Reid Ribble (R-Appleton). “Too many Americans lost faith in our electoral system and how safe it really is. This is of particular importance in a swing state like Wisconsin. Keep our Republic is committed to correcting the false narrative of the 2020 election and rebuilding faith in our system. I am happy to be a part of this important work.”
“Since 2020, everyone involved with Keep Our Republic has put country above self,” said former U.S. House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt. “Keep Our Republic is unique because it is hyper-localized and bipartisan.”
Founded in 2020, Keep Our Republic was active in Pennsylvania before and after the 2020 election, educating Pennsylvania leaders, the media and the public about potential risks to the integrity of the electoral process. This launch marks Keep Our Republic’s next step in expanding its non-partisan mission, as it brings bipartisan efforts to Wisconsin to foster election education, combat misinformation and ensure the integrity of the democratic process.
