A Year of Unyielding Resolve: The Election Integrity Network's 2025 Triumphs and the Grassroots Heroes Who Made Them Possible
In the crisp dawn of 2025, a fledgling organization stepped out from the shadows of its origins, ready to redefine the fight for secure American elections. Election Integrity Network (EIN), born as a non-profit under the guiding hand of founder and chair Cleta Mitchell, emerged from its incubation under the Virginia Institute for Public Policy (VIPP) with a clear mandate: not just to spotlight flaws in the electoral process, but to forge solutions and drive them into reality. What followed was a year of relentless action, marked by internal growth, national milestones, and a symphony of state-level victories that echoed across the nation—each one a testament to the tireless work of coalitions on the ground.
EIN's journey began with validation from the people it serves. A January Rasmussen poll confirmed that the U.S. Citizens Elections Bill of Rights—a blueprint for reforms like voter ID, clean rolls, and transparent counting—mirrored the priorities of everyday voters, fueling the network's momentum. By April, that energy materialized in Washington, D.C., where EIN representatives stood witness to the House passage of the SAVE Act, a landmark bill mandating proof of citizenship for federal voting. It was a moment of quiet exhilaration, underscoring EIN's role in bridging grassroots concerns with federal action. Click here to hear Representative Chip Roy’s floor speech.
Internally, EIN transformed. From a team of dedicated pioneers, it expanded with new staff and expert contractors, infusing professionalism into every operation. Sara Vieira's ascent from Chief of Staff and New England Coalition Chair to national Coalition Director exemplified this evolution, her leadership knitting regional efforts into a cohesive national strategy. Kathy Harms, as the new Policy Director, spearheaded the creation of the Election Policies Handbook along with Lindsey Zea and the National Working Group cabinets—a comprehensive resource set for release in early 2026, already generating buzz among legislators.
Streamlining for impact, EIN refined its previous ten National Working Groups (NWGs) down to seven, each aligned with the US Citizens Elections Bill of Rights to tackle specific vulnerabilities like election day, ballot security and foreign interference. A sleek new website launched, featuring a collaborative library where NWG members submit content, review meeting notes, presentations, and recordings, turning virtual spaces into hubs of innovation. In May, the monthly newsletter debuted alongside an EIN News webpage, amplifying stories of reform.
But EIN's story is inseparable from the narratives unfolding in states nationwide, where coalition leaders and volunteers waged daily battles against complacency and corruption. These weren't abstract policy wins; they were the fruits of countless hours spent poring over records, collaborating with lawmakers, and educating communities—hard work that turned potential vulnerabilities into fortified defenses.
In 2025, election integrity coalitions and partners across multiple states achieved significant victories in enhancing voter roll accuracy and transparency through targeted challenges, audits, and legal actions. In Nevada, the Pigpen Project successfully removed 87 registrants in Washoe County who had relocated out-of-state, while forging ongoing data-sharing agreements with additional counties to maintain clean rolls
Pennsylvania's citizen-led initiative prompted over 28,000 voluntary cancellations from out-of-state movers, a 500% increase over prior averages, now under new leadership by Charles Faltenovich.
Wisconsin secured a landmark court ruling enforcing citizenship verification and voter roll audits.
Parallel efforts unfolded in New Mexico, Maryland, and New Jersey through canvass corrections, lawsuits, and formal reviews addressing over-registration and ballot eligibility.
Legislative and policy advancements marked another pillar of success, with coalitions shaping election reforms that strengthened safeguards without limiting access.
Nevada tracked 41 election-related bills, resulting in 15 signed into law, including new artificial intelligence advertising disclosure requirements, while successfully blocking erosive changes.
In Texas, reforms restored the Attorney General’s authority to prosecute election fraud, banned noncitizen voting through a constitutional amendment, and defeated same-day address update proposals.
Tennessee closed internet ballot return loopholes and promoted tools such as Check My Vote to support voter roll verification.
West Virginia formed a Legislative Election Integrity Caucus advancing photo identification and citizenship rules.
North Carolina incorporated reforms into House Bill 958 addressing funding bans and verification requirements.
In Virginia, the “Power of the Pen” guide achieved a 100 percent veto success rate against risky election legislation.
Citizen-led initiatives and ballot measures drove grassroots momentum, empowering communities to demand verifiable election processes. Washington State’s IL26-126 initiative advanced proof-of-citizenship requirements for voter registration, mobilizing volunteers toward 2026 ballot qualification.
Missouri filed House Bill 2308 to enhance verification procedures and spearheaded Amendment 4 to curb fraud and foreign funding.
Michigan successfully thwarted ranked choice voting through public education efforts and coordinated opposition from local and county clerks.
New York’s Project Civica gathered 1,700 signatures in support of the SAVE Act, won Freedom of Information Law lawsuits, and secured election integrity pledges from candidates. Louisiana funded litigation seeking the adoption of auditable voting machines.
Louisiana funded a lawsuit for auditable voting machines
Education, advocacy, and public engagement rounded out the year's triumphs, equipping citizens and fostering dialogue.
Massachusetts launched websites, trainings, and handbooks for poll observers in partnership with EIN.
Illinois featured a balanced PBS discussion on the SAVE Act
Rhode Island advocated for law reforms amid a DOJ lawsuit for voter data access
Maine built volunteer resources and inspected UOCAVA processes
These stories illustrate the grit of on-the-ground activists—from data dives in dimly lit offices to high-stakes debates and courtroom showdowns. As EIN looks to 2026, with the Handbook poised to empower more reforms, this narrative of 2025 reminds us: integrity isn't given; it's earned through unwavering commitment. The Network stands stronger, ready to build on these foundations for elections every American can trust.