As Americans come together this week to celebrate the 248th anniversary of our nation’s independence, Keep Our Republic (KOR) reaffirms its commitment to fostering respect, confidence and trust in the electoral process.

Independence Day is not only a time to honor the birth of our nation but also a moment to reflect on the principles that underpin our democracy: the rule of law, the separation of powers and the sanctity of free and fair elections. I proudly serve on the national board and the Pennsylvania Advisory Council for KOR (www.KeepOurRepublic.org), and my colleagues and I are committed to ensuring that our nation has free and fair elections for another 250 years to come.

Democracy thrives when citizens are informed, involved and committed to upholding the values enshrined in the Constitution. At KOR, there is a dedication to ensuring that every American has the knowledge and tools needed to confidently participate in the electoral process.

We’ve been working across the commonwealth — at community events, with local civic groups, with lawyer’s groups, and with election administrators — to demystify the electoral process for citizens through transparent and accurate information. Efforts focus on educating the public about the mechanics of the voting process and the critical importance of trust and confidence in it.

Democratic institutions, built on the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom, depend on each generation’s commitment to preserving and strengthening them. By engaging in the electoral process, the legacy of those who came before us is honored, ensuring a prosperous future for all Americans.

By working together, democratic institutions can remain strong and resilient for future generations — and we can continue to celebrate Independence Days to come with America as the shining example to the rest of the world of freedom and democratic self-governance.

(Tom Corbett, a Republican, served as governor of Pennsylvania from January 2011 to January 2015.)