Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our democracy
ABA President Bill Bay. (Photo courtesy of Thompson Coburn)
This is a day to appreciate the fact Americans voted in large numbers. As citizens and lawyers, we are thankful for all who exercised their right to vote. We are particularly thankful for the election workers for their efforts to ensure the election was fair and the results are safe, secure and accurate.
The American Bar Association holds a unique position. As the largest professional organization for lawyers in the world, we have an obligation to speak with a clear voice on elections, the rule of law, the importance of our judicial system and the role of lawyers. They are essential components of our democracy. Our officers and past presidents listed below speak with one voice in support of these values.
The promise of the Constitution is that out of many, one country was created. One great country. On Election Day, our nation renewed that promise and our shared commitment to democracy. Each of us had the opportunity to select the people who will govern us, to vote on questions submitted for consideration and to elect or retain judges. Exercising these rights is the essence of who we are as a country.
Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our democracy built upon the rule of law. We have a long record of elections that are among the safest, most secure and accurate in the world. Lawyers have a responsibility to preserve our democratic institutions, defend the Constitution, uphold the rule of law and build trust in our election system. The American Bar Association is committed to upholding these values. We ask each of you to join in these shared values that are essential to our democracy.
• William R. Bay, President, American Bar Association
• Michelle Behnke, ABA President-Elect
• Jonathan Cole, Chair, ABA House of Delegates
• Marvin S.C. Dang, ABA Secretary
• Frank H. Langrock, ABA Treasurer
• Deborah Enix-Ross, ABA President, 2022-2023
• Reginald M. Turner, Jr., ABA President, 2021-2022
• Patricia Lee Refo, ABA President, 2020-2021
• Judy Perry Martinez, ABA President, 2019-2020
• Robert M. Carlson, ABA President, 2018-2019
• Hilarie Bass, ABA President, 2017-2018
• Linda A. Klein, ABA President, 2016-2017
• Paulette Brown, ABA President, 2015-2016
• William C. Hubbard, ABA President, 2014-2015
• James R. Silkenat, ABA President, 2013-2014
• Laurel G. Bellows, ABA President, 2012-2013
• Stephen N. Zack, ABA President, 2010-2011
• Carolyn B. Lamm, ABA President, 2009-2010
• William H. Neukom, ABA President, 2007-2008
• Karen J. Mathis, ABA President, 2006-2007
• Michael S. Greco, ABA President, 2005-2006
• Robert J. Grey, Jr., ABA President, 2004-2005
• Dennis W. Archer, ABA President, 2003-2004
• Robert E. Hirshon, ABA President, 2001-2002
• Martha W. Barnett, ABA President, 2000-2001
• William G. Paul, ABA President, 1999-2000
• Roberta Cooper Ramo, ABA President, 1995-1996
• R. William Ide III, ABA President, 1993-1994
