ELECTION PROTECTION
No matter our race, background or zip code most of us believe that for democracy to work for all of us, it must include us all. To move forward together as a nation, we must ensure that every American has the freedom to vote.
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That’s why we’re proud to be partnering with national, state, and local organizations to once again organize an Ohio Election Protection program. The goal of our non-partisan election protection program is to ensure Ohio voters have the information they need in order to cast their ballot. We work to minimize barriers to the ballot box, particularly for under-represented communities. By creating a simple and satisfying voting experience, we can empower voters and create a more representative democracy.
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The Election Protection Hotline, 866-OUR-VOTE, is the nation’s largest non-partisan hotline to ask voting questions and report voting problems. Election Protection volunteers promote awareness of the 866-OUR-VOTE Hotline and assist voters with voting questions or problems.
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Sign up for a training!
Volunteer Opportunities
Together, we can ensure all Ohioans have the freedom to vote and the results of our elections reflect the will of the people. We offer many flexible volunteer opportunities for you to join us in saving democracy from home or in person. Sign up today!
Ambassadors
Ambassadors are needed now through Election Day to help spread the word about the Election Protection Hotline 866-OUR-VOTE to their friends, neighbors and community members. Ambassadors distribute posters, palm cards, or yard signs featuring the Election Protection Hotline 866-OUR-VOTE to places such as barbershops, bookstores, churches, coffee shops and food pantries. Ambassadors can also be trained on how to answer frequently asked voting questions such as updating voter registration, requesting and tracking absentee ballots, and referring voting problems to the Election Protection Hotline. Email Courtney to get materials and learn more about being an ambassador!
Command Center Volunteers
Volunteers are needed to monitor the Election Protection Hotline to ensure that election problems are resolved by boards of election officials. Command Center Volunteers will receive training on how to use Our Vote Live, the database of election related questions and problems reported through the Election Protection Hotline. Volunteers can monitor the Hotline virtually from the comfort of their home or office. Email Courtney if you are interested in learning more about volunteering with the Command Center.
Poll Monitors
Poll Monitors are needed to assist voters outside the polls during Early Voting and on Election Day. Poll Monitors stand outside of early vote centers and polling places to answer voter questions, distribute fliers with voter education, and report problems to the Election Protection Hotline. We will prioritize covering polling locations, which have historically had the most problems in select counties. Training will be provided. Sign up to be an Early Vote Poll Monitor or Election Day Poll Monitor in one of our priority cities (Akron/Canton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Toledo, or Youngstown) or in your own county!
Peacekeepers
Peacekeepers are needed to help manage and deescalate any situations that may arise at polling locations during the November Election. Typically, volunteers are recruited from the Faith community or other backgrounds who are extensively trained in nonviolent protest. Peacekeepers will monitor early in-person voting locations during the final weekend of early voting, and will be on-call to be deployed on Election Day. Learn more about our Peacekeepers program and email Courtney to get involved.
Why Election Protection Matters
Melissa P., Lucas County
Working with Election Protection was eye opening for me. I had no idea how many overworked, stressed, but dedicated election workers we have, and how much it takes to run an election in Lucas County. The best part for me was working with our team of EP volunteers. Many have said it was the most rewarding experience of their civic life.
Voting is the core of our Democracy; it's the floor of our responsibilities to each other in a free society and the foundation upon which all of our freedoms are built. As voting becomes more complex and difficult, it's important that we reach out and help our fellow citizens access the ballot box.
