As the final votes are tallied, we reiterate our longstanding calls that every vote counts and every vote must be counted.
New York, NY, November 4, 2020 ... Jonathan A. Greenblatt, CEO of ADL (the Anti-Defamation League), today issued the following statement on the undetermined outcome of the United States presidential election:
We have just witnessed one of the most consequential presidential election contests in the history of our nation. The turnout exceeded expectations across the country. And yet, as of this time, the outcome of the U.S. presidential race is still undetermined.
Since our founding more than 100 years ago, ADL has been committed to justice and fair treatment to all, which requires that all Americans safely can exercise their constitutional right to vote. As the final votes are tallied, we reiterate our longstanding calls that every vote counts and every vote must be counted. There is nothing unusual for results to be delayed, as this has happened previously in U.S. history when the winner of an election could not be declared for days or even weeks after the voting. And yet, what happens next will be another important test of our democracy.
At ADL, we remain concerned about the potential for extremists to attempt to exploit this moment of uncertainty to fuel hatred and sow discord, or even to inspire their followers to act violently. As always, we will call out extremists across the ideological spectrum, especially those who try to take advantage of this moment to promote a hateful or violent agenda. Vigilance is the watchword.
In the days and weeks ahead, ADL will continue to track extremist activity in the real world and on social media, coordinating closely with law enforcement and providing information to elected officials, community-based organizations, faith-based institutions and the media. We will do so because this volatile environment could be conducive to increased episodes of antisemitism, racism and bigotry. And so, we will do our utmost to monitor all threats and fight hate for good.