Protect the Vote
As the Central Labor Council for the Los Angeles County, we pledge to protect democracy by protecting the votes of EVERY American at our community polling sites by staying resolute in our defense of democracy. Please see the following for all of the way you can join us in defending our democracy.
“We cannot simply tell people to vote and then leave them on their own. Our responsibility is to mobilize voters – and build the infrastructure to protect them. This election requires an unprecedented level of organization, vigilance, and preparation, and participation.”
-Yvonne Wheeeler, President of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor
DO use the SALUTE (Size, Action, Location, Uniform, Time, Equipment) method to document encounters with agitators or law enforcement.
DO use 1-866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) to speak with a trained Election Protection volunteer if you have questions, experience problems casting your ballot, or see voter intimidation happening.
DO NOT harass, intimidate or ask voters personal questions. Voter intimidation can include arguments, attempts at coercion, or attempts to influence on top of aggressive behavior.
DO NOT campaign closer than 100 feet from the entrance of a polling location or vote center. This includes campaigning for a candidate or ballot initiative.
DO NOT physically engage with agitators (hit, shove, push, for example).
Protect the vote and ensure every member can safely cast their ballot.
Organize new labor strongholds led by workers.
Win crucial races that determine the future of workers’ rights.
Engage our base through authentic peer-to-peer contact.
Mobilize Right Now. Action today creates victory tomorrow.
- TAKE THE UNION P.O.W.E.R. PLEDGE
Take the pledge here! - BE A RESOURCE FOR YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY, CO-WORKERS AND COMMUNITY
Check your status here! - GET TRAINED AND RECRUIT 15 P.O.W.E.R. CAPTAINS
Find training here!
Most election laws are set by state and local governments, but there are federal laws that provide us with rights and protections as we vote. These are just baseline laws; in fact, you may have even more protections in your state, county or city. Here are the basic protections:
You have the right to vote and register to vote without intimidation.
You have the right to vote if you are in line when the polling place closes.
You have the right to ask for a new ballot if you make a mistake.
You have the right to ask for an accommodation if you are disabled.
You have the right to vote privately and independently.
A strong response should treat this problem as an urgent voter-service issue and a possible equity/legal issue:
- Verify voters’ status immediately
- Help people use available remedies
- Document patterns
- Communicate without making existing rumors worse
- Launch a verification drive to reach people who think the problem affects someone else
- Counter misinformation to prevent panic and apathy
- Prepare legal, media and mobilization escalation so you have options if the concerns grow
In Los Angeles County, eligible voters can use Condition Voter Registration at any Vote Center during the 11 day voting period if they need to register or re-register.
A strong response is to protect voters’ access to the polling place without confronting the group yourself:
- Notify the polling site lead and local election office immediately
- Ask election officials– not volunteers– to determine whether the people are authorized observers and what site specific restrictions apply
- Document the conduct from a safe distance
- Report any threat or obstruction to emergency services
- Support voters in line– tell them you’ll stay with them so they can vote
- Share vetted information about polling locations with your members
In California, official guidance identifies filming voters entering or leaving a polling place and obstructing access as forms of potentially intimidating conduct.
Additional Resources from the AFL-CIO:
