AARP Government Integrity and Civic Engagement Principles

The following principles guide AARP’s efforts to increase the accountability of government officials, promote access, and encourage civic engagement. 

Ensure transparency—campaign financing, governmental institutions, and policymaking processes should be transparent and open to the public view. 

Promote accountability—strong ethical standards should be established and actively enforced. These can avert conflicts of interest and prevent the undue influence of special interests. They safeguard the integrity of governmental decision-making. 

Maximize voter participation—the right of all citizens to vote in free and fair elections should be vigorously upheld. 

Provide full and fair representation—legislative district boundaries should promote democracy and electoral competition. Districts should not be drawn to support incumbency or party affiliation. 

Increase civic engagement—people of all ages, including those from groups who are discriminated against, should enjoy full and free involvement in civic life, including through more volunteer opportunities.