Help Protect Every Voter's Right to Vote!

The League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Columbus (LWVMC) is proud to partner with the Ohio Voting Rights Coalition (OVRC) to support a nonpartisan Election Protection program in Franklin County.

Through this partnership, trained Election Protection Poll Monitors are stationed at early voting locations and Election Day polling places to help ensure that every eligible voter has the opportunity to cast their ballot. Our volunteers serve as trusted, nonpartisan resources for voters, helping answer questions, identify potential voting barriers, and connect voters with assistance when issues arise.

Election Protection is about making sure every voter can exercise their right to vote, regardless of their political beliefs or affiliations.

What Do Election Protection Volunteers Do?

Election Protection volunteers are deployed during early voting at the Franklin County Board of Elections and on Election Day at polling locations throughout Franklin County.

Volunteers help by:

• Assisting voters: Answering questions about the voting process and connecting voters with trusted election resources.
• Supporting voters with ballot issues: Helping voters understand their options when encountering problems, including provisional ballot questions or challenges.
• Monitoring polling locations: Observing whether polling places open on time, have appropriate signage, and provide accessible entry for voters.
• Identifying potential concerns: Watching for issues such as excessive partisan activity, voter intimidation, hostility, or concerning law enforcement presence.
• Reporting problems: Documenting and communicating potential voting rights concerns through the Election Protection program's established reporting procedures.

Volunteers do not administer elections or interfere with election officials. Instead, they serve as trained, nonpartisan observers and resources who help voters navigate the process.

How to Become an Election Protection Volunteer

Step 1: Complete Election Protection Training

All Election Protection volunteers must complete training provided by the Ohio Voting Rights Coalition before participating. Training covers voting rights, common Election Day issues, volunteer responsibilities, reporting procedures, and how to appropriately assist voters. No previous Election Protection experience is required!

Step 2: Sign Up for a Volunteer Shift

Election Protection volunteers are needed during Ohio's primary and general election seasons:

• Spring (April–May): Primary Election
• Fall (October–November): General Election

After completing training, volunteers can sign up directly for available early voting or Election Day shifts through the Ohio Voting Rights Coalition.

Step 3: Receive Your Volunteer Instructions

Once you've completed training and signed up for a shift, the LWVMC Operations Manager will contact you with additional information about your assignment and supply pickup. Depending on your assignment, volunteers may receive Election Protection materials, informational handouts, identification materials, and other resources needed for their shift. Please review all instructions and training materials before arriving at your assigned location.

What Makes a Great Election Protection Volunteer?

We're looking for individuals who are committed to protecting voting rights and helping community members participate in elections.

Great Election Protection volunteers are:

• Friendly, patient, and comfortable speaking with people from different backgrounds.
• Committed to remaining strictly nonpartisan in every interaction.
• Observant and able to identify and report potential voting concerns.
• Respectful of voters, election officials, and polling place procedures.
• Dependable and willing to follow training and reporting instructions.

You don't need to be an election expert! The Ohio Voting Rights Coalition provides the training and guidance needed to help you feel prepared.

Thank You for Protecting the Vote!

Election Protection volunteers play an important role in helping voters feel informed, supported, and confident when casting their ballots.

Whether you're helping someone understand a provisional ballot, answering a question, or identifying a potential barrier at a polling location, your presence can make a meaningful difference.

We're grateful to our volunteers and our partners at the Ohio Voting Rights Coalition for their dedication to protecting voting rights throughout Franklin County.

Thank you for helping ensure that every eligible voter has the opportunity to make their voice heard!