Every weekday, thousands of DC area residents step onto the Metro, commuting into Washington to keep our nation’s capital running. From critical government functions to essential services, their work sustains the pulse of the city. With the November 5th election here, however, their daily commute may soon carry new weight—facing the uncertainty that could come with the next transition of power.

The stakes are high, especially after the disruption surrounding the 2020 election, which culminated in the January 6th Capitol breach. That day exposed vulnerabilities in our democratic process, and for those living in the greater DC area, these vulnerabilities hit especially close to home. Residents here depend on stable federal operations to ensure reliable healthcare, veterans' services, educational funding, housing programs, and countless local jobs. A shaky transition could disrupt the lives of thousands who depend on these federal systems.

As we approach Election Day, our communities have a reason to focus beyond just the vote’s outcome. A smooth, stable transition isn’t only about national security—it’s about protecting the livelihoods of DC area residents. This election, and the transfer of power that follows, could shape the future of local families and communities in profound ways.

The High Stakes of a Smooth Transition

The stakes of this election are monumental, especially for those who remember the turmoil following the 2020 election. The January 6th breach of the Capitol exposed vulnerabilities in our democracy, particularly in the crucial phase of presidential transition. For communities near Washington, D.C., any disruption in federal operations has an immediate impact. From healthcare funding to education support and public safety, residents in the area rely on steady federal functions to maintain quality of life. An unstable or delayed transition could jeopardize access to these essential resources and send shockwaves throughout the region, affecting countless families.

The need for a smooth transition becomes even clearer when considering the area’s aging population. Roughly 30% of Maryland residents aged 65 and older depend on Social Security for at least half of their income. A delayed transition could put this critical funding in jeopardy, potentially delaying Social Security checks and leaving elderly residents in a vulnerable position. Other essential federal benefits and programs, including veterans’ services and healthcare, could also be disrupted if the transition of power is marked by disorder or defunding.

The urgency of a smooth transfer of power is felt across the public sector workforce. In 2021, Congress had to approve $521 million to reimburse the National Guard for deploying 26,000 troops to protect the Capitol following the January 6th breach. This unplanned expense drained resources typically reserved for critical Guard functions like training and maintenance nationwide. Maryland serves as a case in point, where unexpected federal expenditures like this one can put a strain on state resources, impacting those working on the front lines of public safety and defense.

Challenges to a Presidential Transition

This year’s presidential transition has already faced unique hurdles, sparking concern among political observers. In a departure from established norms, former President Donald Trump has opted not to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the General Services Administration (GSA), instead relying on private funding to support his transition team. By contrast, Vice President Kamala Harris has adhered to the customary process, signing the MOU to secure nonpartisan GSA resources. These resources are critical, providing services such as office space, funding for transition activities, and agency access. The lack of public GSA oversight raises questions about transparency and potential partisanship, with concerns that private supporters might have undue influence on the transition’s direction.

A transition relying on private funding, rather than traditional GSA support, introduces risks not just to the transparency of the process but to the nonpartisan ethos that past transitions have upheld. Without GSA oversight, Marylanders may wonder where the funds for Trump’s transition are coming from and whether there could be foreign influence or allegiance-driven funding. Though speculative, these concerns highlight real anxieties about transparency and accountability. The Center for Presidential Transition has underscored the importance of a transparent transition, particularly regarding access to government resources that ensure an orderly shift in leadership.

As the nation’s capital, the D.C. Metro area feels the powerful ripple effects of any federal instability, especially during a disorganized or fragmented transition. Imagine the lives of countless residents—public servants, families, and seniors—suddenly caught in a whirlwind of bureaucratic delays. With every lag in Social Security payments and every setback in critical public services, the heartbeat of the community is at stake. Daily, public servants depend on smooth, efficient federal operations to ensure appointments to vital roles and the consistent functioning of services that touch nearly every aspect of life. A chaotic or profit-driven transition endangers this stability, threatening to disrupt essential areas from healthcare to housing, education, and economic security for residents across the D.C. Metro area.

The importance of a transparent, nonpartisan transfer of power is absolutely fundamental. Without it, citizens nationwide face troubling uncertainty about who the federal government serves and which interests are prioritized. The Presidential Transition Act of 1963 was designed precisely to safeguard this process, with the General Services Administration (GSA) mandated to ensure a nonpartisan, well-managed handover of power. Without this impartial oversight, not only Marylanders but all Americans are left questioning the integrity and accountability of the federal transition.

And we can't ignore the widening trust gap—only 35% of Americans feel confidence in government today, with trust among young people even lower at a staggering 23%. These figures from the Partnership for Public Service reveal a critical need: the government must demonstrate commitment to transparency and uphold the highest standards of public service to regain the public’s trust. A clear, impartial transition is essential for a healthier democracy and a resilient community—one that lives at the pulse of the nation’s government and whose well-being reflects our shared commitment to the future.

The Path Forward

A transparent and nonpartisan transition process is vital for maintaining public trust and ensuring that government operations run smoothly for all Americans. However, former President Trump's refusal to adhere to the Presidential Transition Act of 1963 raises significant concerns about the potential for disruption during transitions. This noncompliance threatens to undermine the stability of federal services that are essential for citizens across the country. As we approach the election, it is imperative that both candidates commit to a cooperative transition process, upholding the principles that ensure a steady transfer of power.

To safeguard against interruptions in government operations—often seen during government shutdowns—we must consider codifying measures that reinforce the GSA’s oversight and streamline the transition process. Establishing clear timelines and ensuring continuous funding for essential services would mitigate risks and guarantee that public servants can fulfill their roles without interruption. Moreover, integrating stringent requirements for transparency regarding the sources of funding for transition teams is essential. By enforcing these standards, we can foster confidence in the transition process and safeguard the integrity of our democracy. As Max Stier, President and CEO of the Center for Presidential Transition, warns, “Frankly, there should be transparency about where the money is coming from for transition operations, irrespective of whether people are accepting things from GSA. I think that is just important for the public’s interest. The bottom line is we will need to have a serious scrub on what the lessons learned and how we can improve things. […] It’s very bumpy right now and that suggests that we can do better.”

The time for action is now. As we prepare for the upcoming election, we must prioritize the establishment of a seamless, accountable transition framework that ensures federal operations do not cease, thus protecting the rights and needs of all Americans. The path forward requires unwavering dedication to transparency, nonpartisanship, robust oversight, and the ability to accept defeat—values that are essential to preserving the democratic principles that underpin our nation.