WASHINGTON—The Heritage Foundation and Heritage Action today announced the launch of the Election Transparency Initiative, led by Ken Cuccinelli, which will be dedicated to advancing policy solutions that strengthen election integrity, promote transparency, and reinforce public confidence in America’s elections. 

Cuccinelli will continue to lead ETI within the Heritage enterprise, building on the Initiative’s established work with legislators, state officials, policy experts, and grassroots organizations.

Cuccinelli brings decades of experience in public service, constitutional law, and election policy.  As chairman of ETI, he has been a leading national voice on election integrity issues, providing legislative testimony, legal analysis, and media commentary on election policy at both the state and federal levels. 

Melody Himel Clarke will continue with the Election Transparency Initiative as an advisor, bringing extensive experience in election policy, grassroots advocacy, and organizational leadership. Clarke previously served as ETI’s executive director and spent a decade with Heritage Action for America, advancing public policy initiatives and grassroots engagement across multiple states. 

President of The Heritage Foundation and Heritage Action, Kevin Roberts said: 

“The integrity of our elections is fundamental to the health of our constitutional republic. Today’s announcement reflects Heritage’s commitment to developing serious, principled solutions that help policymakers strengthen election administration and foster Americans’ confidence in our democratic institutions. We look forward to working with Ken Cuccinelli on this critical effort.” 

As part of its mission, the Election Transparency Initiative will: 

• Develop policy recommendations and model legislation for state and federal policymakers. 
• Produce original research and legal analysis on election administration and election law.
• Convene policymakers, legal experts, and election professionals to share best practices and innovative solutions. 
• Serve as a trusted resource for legislators, state officials, and the public on election integrity issues. 
• Expand Heritage’s leadership in advancing practical, constitutional approaches to election policy. 

Election Transparency Initiative Chair, Ken Cuccinelli, commented: 

“ETI is excited to join the Heritage family—lock, stock, and barrel. This is not the beginning of our work or of Heritage’s; it is the next and stronger chapter. We will continue supporting state leaders and working alongside coalition partners across the country, now backed by the unmatched research, policy, legal, communications, and grassroots capabilities of Heritage.” 

“Heritage has long been a leader in election integrity. Bringing ETI into that established work will make both efforts stronger and help us provide even greater support to those advancing transparent, secure, and accountable elections.” 

The Election Transparency Initiative will expand The Heritage Foundation and Heritage Action efforts to equip policymakers with research, legal analysis, and practical solutions to address emerging challenges in election administration.