Becoming A Polling Place
We believe free, fair, safe, and accessible elections benefit the entire faith community in America. We also agree with the Commission on the Practice of Democratic Citizenship when they describe faith-based spaces as “part of the social infrastructure that supports vibrant and resilient communities. Often, they are the places where Americans first develop the practical skills…that are fundamental to democratic citizenship.”
The information below is meant to help you evaluate whether offering your physical space as a polling location is a viable opportunity for your institution and if so, help you get started.
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Are there security concerns related to becoming a polling place?
Polling station violence is exceedingly rare in the United States, but we understand the need for buildings identified with specific identity groups to consider the safety and security of their staff, congregants, and buildings. A More Perfect Union is working with the Secure Community Network to provide guidance and support to all Jewish institutions considering making this commitment–and to do so while still cultivating an inclusive and welcoming space for all Americans. This one-pager, which is applicable to all faith communities, is a good place to start.
Are there certain places where more polling stations are needed?
Yes, though the needs are constantly shifting as recruitment efforts continue in every county across the nation. The easiest way to determine if there is a need in your community is to visit your county’s elections or registrar website and find either a contact email address or an online application form. If you operate a space on or within walking distance of a college campus, we especially encourage you to inquire locally.
Are there specific space or logistical requirements to become a polling place?
Yes, though these are not the same across the country. Each potential polling location should consult their county’s elections or registrar website for specific information, though generally, you should expect something along these lines:
Access to the site three-to-four days prior to Election Day. In some cases, access ten days prior to Election Day
Access to the site from 6:00 a.m. to late evening on Election Day
Access to the site before and after voting days for poll worker set-up and break down
Access to restrooms for poll workers
Access to multiple electrical outlets for voting equipment
Appropriate interior lighting to accommodate worker and voter needs
Appropriate exterior lighting to accommodate safe travels to and from the vote center
If the site is within a gated area, the gates must remain open during voting hours
Do the available spaces in our building have the potential to make anyone feel uncomfortable or excluded?
Not everyone has had positive experiences with religion and it is helpful to consider whether or not overt religious symbolism, imagery, or language might cause discomfort. This is a subjective measurement, but worth considering. Look around your building to see what neutral spaces (like a meeting hall or cafeteria) might be available.
To be a polling place, must we be available on Shabbat?
Many synagogues across the county serve as polling locations, having made necessary accommodations with the county for Shabbat observance. Congregation Brith Sholom in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, for instance, works with the county each year to ensure all religious observances are respected, for example by ensuring set-up is completed the Friday before Election Day or their designated early voting hours.
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Step 1 - Ensure your space is fully ADA-compliant
To host a polling place or voting center, your space must be accessible to people with physical disabilities. Once you sign up, the county will likely inspect your building for ADA accessibility and also assess the space where voting will occur. If your location does not pass your county’s ADA accessibility standards, many counties allow for temporary solutions that can be implemented during the voting period.
PRO-TIP: Review this document from ADA.gov that provides information about ensuring accessibility for voters with mobility or vision disabilities, options for low-cost temporary measures for removing barriers, and a guide used by election officials considering facilities for use as polling places.
Step 2 - Check to see if your county needs additional polling places/vote centers
Visit the county elections or registrar website to find the appropriate way to offer your space. Ensure you reach out to provide any context about any necessary religious accommodations, for example if Shabbat observance precludes early voting on-site. The county elections office will put your location into their system to consider alongside other available options. Election staff are responsible for letting you know if they would like to use your location and clarifying specific dates and times your location may need to be available.
Step 3 - Check with board and staff to confirm requirements can be met
Once you have a sense of the specific needs and timing, make sure your board chair and key staff are comfortable and ready to meet all requirements. Most counties understand that not all buildings interested in serving as polling locations can actually meet the necessary requirements, so it is okay to go back to your contact and defer for this election.
In particular, check with your facilities and security team to make sure that things like bathrooms can be made available to on-site election workers, parking can be utilized that day, and all scheduled programming can continue as normal. If you have a front desk/reception area and maintenance team, share the assigned dates with them so they can be aware of what is going on and make any necessary preparations.
Step 4 - Consult the Secure Community Network with any security concerns
A More Perfect Union has partnered with the Secure Community Network to ensure all Jewish institutions that are considering becoming polling locations/vote centers this November (or in subsequent elections) have access to best practices and professional advice. Each locality has its own set of requirements, making it important to fully understand your unique context before reaching out for advice.
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In 2022, A More Perfect Union: The Jewish Partnership for Democracy launched to mobilize the American Jewish community–across states, denominations, backgrounds, and political ideologies –to protect and strengthen American democracy. If you are a Jewish organization looking to get involved in this work, please consider joining our network. There is no financial commitment required, only a commitment to action. Once you join, we are here to ensure your success. You will receive additional resources and convening opportunities, as well as benefit from our expanding and interconnected network, educational materials, and increased financial resources.
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If you are a Jewish institution and interested in getting in touch with us or others hosting polling locations across the country, please reach out. Our team is available at commitments@jewishdemocracy.org.
