States United

The 2022 Laurence and Lynne Brown Democracy Medal, awarded by the McCourtney Institute for Democracy at Penn State, honors the States United Democracy Center for its efforts to safeguard elections amid challenges facing American democracy. Founded during the 2020 election, the organization supports state and local officials, law enforcement, and pro-democracy partners with essential tools to protect fair and secure elections. Led by prominent figures including Joanna Lydgate, Norman Eisen, and Christine Todd Whitman, the center continues its vital work to defend democratic processes.