As early as 2014, the Russian government began a sweeping effort to undermine our democracy. Through cyberattacks and disinformation, they sought not only to sway the 2016 election, but to stoke dysfunction, division, and doubt in democracy itself. According to the Senate Intelligence Committee, Russian hackers sought to access voting systems in all 50 states, and they successfully accessed a database containing records for 14 million voters. They also sowed division through a secretive disinformation campaign on social media, the propaganda from which Michael Bennet has compiled into a graphic book, “Dividing America: How Russia Hacked Social Media and Democracy.”

As the evidence of foreign interference mounts, the Trump administration continues to dither and divide, while Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell refuses to bring bipartisan election security bills to a vote.

Unlike the current administration, the Bennet administration will take immediate action to defend our democracy.

First, we will secure our elections. Our plan raises standards and increases resources to protect every precinct in America with new voting machines, mandatory audits, improved election procedures, and stronger cybersecurity.

Second, we will fight foreign interference by closing campaign finance and other loopholes that allow foreign actors to distort our media, elections, and campaigns.

Third, we will open a dialogue with the American people about ongoing threats to our democracy and steps our government is taking to protect it. Foreign adversaries want to undermine the public’s faith in democracy; we must restore it.

Finally, we will reclaim America’s historic leadership role by mobilizing our allies to push back against threats to democracy worldwide. We will work with our partners in Europe, NATO, and elsewhere to respond forcefully to those who attack democracy, strengthen election security, and support civil society.