First, while citizens may disagree on policy, all political factions must agree on the basic constitutional principles and norms of justice, civility and respect for the rule of law. Citizens should be able to participate easily in a transparent, safe and secure electoral process. Reports of electoral irregularities shall be submitted to the Court in good faith and all participants shall agree to accept the decision. Elections should be conducted peacefully, free from intimidation and violence.

Second, we must push for reforms that ensure safe and universal elections and guarantee public confidence in the accuracy of election results. False allegations of illegal voting and meaningless repeated audits only serve to undermine democratic ideals.

Third, we must resist the polarization that is reshaping our political identity. We must emphasize these important truths: that we are all human beings, that we are all Americans, and that we share the same hopes for the prosperity of our communities and our country. We must find ways, through civil dialogue with family, friends and colleagues, to bridge our differences respectfully and constructively, to reconnect and work together against the forces that divide us.

Fourth, violence has no place in our politics, and we must act now to either pass or strengthen laws to end physical attacks, intimidation, and the trend toward armed militias in our politics. Our elected officials -- friends and neighbors whom so many of us trust -- must be protected from threats to their safety. Law enforcement must be able to address these issues and confront past and present racial injustices on a national scale.