LWVUS is coordinating directly with state leaders on election-related issues and concerns. Each State League is assigned an LWVUS team member to provide timely support throughout election season, and specifically during hours that polls are open on Election Day. Our goal is to make sure the right leaders in every state are aware of incidents as they happen, and we want to be able to provide timely support when needed. 

Given the historic nature of this election and the record turnout numbers we are seeing across the country, it is important that state and local League leaders coordinate and ensure open lines of communication throughout the election season. Many State Leagues have plans in place already, and others are still in development. We hope this guidance helps ensure there are systems in place to be able to respond quickly on voting issues that could require quick intervention and/or escalation. 

Set up a rapid response network: 

1. Identify who will be the lead contact(s) in your League to capture and share information.

State Leagues should identify key state leaders that local Leagues should reach out to in case they need to report any issues. Local Leagues should also identify their key contacts and share this information with the state League. Local and State Leagues should also let their members know that they have a rapid response plan, as well as provide Election Protection Hotline numbers (below) to all members for any individual issues that may arise. 

2. Use a system of communication that works for you! 

Leaders should identify a platform of communication that all lead contacts will use: a WhatsApp group, texting group, Facebook private group, or email group. This will connect all Leagues within the state and is a great way to quickly identify if an issue is isolated or if multiple areas are reporting similar issues. This can be particularly helpful for states that have a large number of local Leagues. Make sure that the contacts identified in step 1 join these groups. 

3. Consider utilizing a system to track and document issues that require escalation. 

At LWVUS, we have created a tracker to keep us organized throughout Election Day. Staff monitor the tracker at least twice each hour for as long as polls are open.  

This sample tracker for Leagues can be used for tracking in your state. 

4. Prioritize areas in your state or community that might face more problems.

Think about any specific areas of the state or within your local communities that might have more problems than others and whether local Leagues and volunteers in those areas need more assistance. Pay special attention to these areas. 

What issues are important to escalate to your state League or LWVUS staff contact? 

• Issues that impact entire voting jurisdictions or all voters at a polling place should be escalated to the next level of League (local to state, or state to national). 

• Changes to polling places, such as polling place closures and consolidations, polling locations opening late, or polls with inoperable machines or equipment. 

• Any irregularities, such as extreme long lines, protests or other disturbances at polling places, reports of broken machines, or law enforcement/people in uniform stationed at polling places.  

• Any good news – photos or social posts that demonstrate things are working.  

• Any intent of a League to file a lawsuit 

• If state Leagues feel they will be filing litigation in federal court, they must complete the federal action form: https://www.lwv.org/federal-action-request-form. 

What issues should be directed to the Election Protection hotline? 

• Issues or questions that impact individual voters, such as questions regarding ID requirements, incorrect information regarding polling place or eligibility, or what to do now that a voter has cast a provisional ballot, should be directed to the Election Protection Hotlines.

• Isolated incidents of voter intimidation should also be directed to the Election Protection Hotlines.

• 1-866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) 

• 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (en Español) 

• 1-888-API-VOTE (Asian multilingual assistance) 

• 1-844-YALLA-US (Arabic)