Ahead of the hotly contested midterm election, more than 100 former NASA astronauts are urging voters and elected officials alike to ensure that the results are respected and upheld – no matter the outcome.
"You do not need to be a constitutional scholar to make your voice heard," the nonprofit group Astronauts for America wrote in the Nov. 2 letter, shared on social media. "This is not a partisan issue. It is a question of a constitutional government."
The letter was posted on the eve of what is sure to be a widely-scrutinized Nov. 3 election, with many polls predicting a "blue wave" as Democrats stand to make gains amid soaring prices and President Donald Trump's unpopular war with Iran.
Here's what to know about the organization and what the letter
from Astronauts for America said.
What is Astronauts for America? Nonpartisan group advocates for election integrity
Formed in April, Astronauts for America is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization comprised of former NASA astronauts "dedicated to upholding constitutional values," according to a press release. The group touts itself as a coalition of 103 former astronauts hailing from across the U.S. with varying political affiliations and professional backgrounds, including military veterans, scientists, teachers and engineers.
The primary objective of the group is to tour college campuses and other venues across the nation to encourage people to vote. The coalition has also expressed its commitment for its members to meet elected officials with the goal of "restoring public trust in American democracy; and supporting leaders who respect science, use data to make decisions, and work across political differences for the good of the American people."
"We know the importance of respecting one another and speaking up when things don’t look right," the group wrote in an open letter posted on its website. "We’ve seen what Americans can achieve when we work as a team toward a common goal."
More than 100 former NASA astronauts sign letter ahead of Election Day
On the eve of Election Day, all members of Astronauts for America co-signed a letter to uphold the nation's principles for free and fair elections.
The open letter, shared Nov. 2 on Instagram, is also signed by nonprofit organizations National Security Leaders for America and Leadership Now.
"Regardless of political party or personal beliefs, every American should be able to trust that elections are conducted according to law, every lawful vote is counted and the results are determined through established legal procedures,” the letter reads.
The letter goes on to outline the role of both the states and the federal government in overseeing elections, while cautioning against executive overreach in the process.
"Federal authority is not a license for any president or federal agency to take over state election administration,” the letter says, while encouraging citizens to contact elected officials to urge them to certify valid election results and promote transparency with the public.
What are the midterms and when are they?
Polling places are open across the nation Tuesday, Nov. 3 for the midterm elections that Trump has called the most important of "our lifetime."
On the ballot are major candidates vying for office at the federal level, as well as state and local elections, including gubernatorial races. At stake is control of Congress and whether Trump will finish his final term with Republican majorities in the House and Senate, or Democrats will win enough seats to block an agenda they've described as dangerous.
Contributing: Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY NETWORK
Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: More than 100 former NASA astronauts sign letter ahead of Election Day
