South Dakota AG calls for peaceful transition of power post-election
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley is urging citizens to support a peaceful transition of power after Tuesday's presidential election.
Jackley is part of a bipartisan group of 51 attorneys general who are encouraging calm after the election, according to a press release from the state AG's office.
The peaceful transition of power is part the nation's democratic system.
"This election has been divisive, and our nation's attorneys general are urging that any election issues be resolved legally and in an orderly means without violence or property damage," Jackley said.
Other attorneys general calling for a non-violence response are from Alabama, Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
The attorneys general statement reads: "Regardless of the outcome of Tuesday's election, we expect that Americans will respond peacefully and we condemn any acts of violence related to the results. A peaceful transfer of power is the highest testament to the rule of law, a tradition that stands at the heart of our nation's stability. As Attorneys General, we affirm our commitment to protect our communities and uphold the democratic principles we serve.
We call upon every American to vote, participate in civil discourse and, above all, respect the integrity of the democratic process. Let us come together after this election not divided by outcomes but united in our shared commitment to the rule of law and safety of all Americans. Violence has no place in the democratic process; we will exercise our authority to enforce the law against any illegal acts that threaten it."
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