Reports From the Field: Election Protection

Document Date: August 27, 2024

Allie Utley headshot

Allie Utley — Field Organizer

This past primary election, we had volunteers at 86 polling locations in the state. Here are the Reports From the Field: Election Protection:

Election Day Overview:

  • We had an impressive turnout, with 65 poll monitors completing 106 shifts across 86 polling locations in 13 different counties. These numbers are fantastic—let’s aim to double our efforts for November!

Primary Election Observations: Overall, our election officials ran a smooth primary, with over 91% of observed locations meeting key criteria:

  • Clear and visible signage indicating polling locations
  • Accessible entrances
  • Sufficient parking
  • Wait times under 15 minutes, with no lines
  • No presence of police, ICE, or other security personnel
  • No electioneering

However, there are a few areas where we can improve:

Curbside Access:

  • 41% (35 locations) had no visible signage for curbside access, while 55% (28 locations) did.
  • 18 locations had both signage and a button available.
  • 1 location featured signage and a wireless remote camera.

Handicapped Accessibility:

  • Only 74 out of 86 polling locations were wheelchair accessible.
  • Some locations had issues with:
  • Lack of automatic doors
  • Inadequate ramp grading
  • Unmarked ADA-accessible parking
  • Gravel parking lots

Language Access:

  • 62 polling sites had no language accessibility.
  • 5 locations provided voter instructions in multiple languages.
  • 3 electronic machines offered language selection options.

866 OUR VOTE Hotline:

We received 13 calls on Election Day, mostly about voting instructions and party affiliation changes.

More serious concerns included:

  • Missing mail-in ballots
  • Ballots issued for the wrong political party
  • Potential police intimidation at one location
  • Possible electioneering by a candidate at another location

Thank you again for your commitment to election protection. Let’s continue to build on this success and strive for even better outcomes in November! And, if you’re looking to stay involved with the ACLU’s work year-round, please sign up for one of our new member orientation Zoom’s here.