Creating a safe environment at polling places starts now, with developing guidance, planning polling place setups, and identifying any resources you need. The suggestions below can aid Election Day training and protocol to ensure every pollworker and voter feels secure.
Site Safety: Organize for Security!
Polling places come in many shapes and sizes, and these recommendations may be better suited for some than others. Choose the ones that make sense for you.
- Know the Layout: Identify all exits, locations of first aid supplies, and safety equipment such as fire extinguishers. Ensure paths to exits are kept clear of equipment or storage at all times.
- Power of Placement: Position check-in tables so workers have a clear view of the entrance. Avoid placing workers in corners, and ensure every worker has a clear path to move behind the desk.
- Signage is Safety: Define election-personnel-only boundaries and prohibited items where necessary. Clear rules reduce confusion, which can be a source of friction.
- The Buddy System: Ideally, no poll worker should ever be alone. This is especially important during opening, closing, or when taking election materials to your car. Try to always move in pairs.
- Secure the Perimeter: Monitor the “buffer zone” outside the entrance. Individuals loitering or filming in a way that is intimidating or prohibited should be reported as soon as possible.
Safety Protocol Reminders
- Communication Chains: Ensure every worker has the cell number of the Site Lead and the local election office.
- Document Everything: Use an incident log to record the time, description, and individuals involved in any disruption. Minor notes now may provide important details later. Design a simple log and print it out to have on hand.
- Personal Privacy: Remind workers to keep their personal bags, car keys, and phones in a secure, non-public area.
Essential Resources
- CISA Physical Security Checklist for Polling Locations
- EAC Resources on Election Security
- EAC Personal Security for Election Officials
The Planning Desk is a running timeline of key election security tasks. You can find prior editions in the newsletter archive.