The AFTER Project
Act For Trusted Election Results
Welcome to the AFTER Project! This page contains our introductory training and many of the resources mentioned in the training. More will be added.
If you arrived at this page without completing the form to be notified of updates to this page, please submit the form at the bottom of this page.
Introductory Training
Please watch the training below before accessing other trainings.
(30 minutes)
Additional Materials for Introductory Training
Click here to find the rules for your state.
Some states limit who can observe, or require advance registration. Check here for your state’s information (Note: while the info may say it’s for “poll-watchers,” the same procedures usually apply to observing after the polls close).
☐ Directions to the observing location
☐ Mask (safer and often required)
☐ Photo ID (if required)
☐ Phone and/or video camera (Note: Empty your storage so you have plenty of room on your device.)
☐ Extra battery/charger for your phone or other video device.
Optional:
☐ A measuring tape app if you have to keep a certain distance from workers
☐ Binoculars (You may be far from the action).
☐ Water and snacks (choose something quiet and not messy or sticky)
☐ A few pens, preferably not blue or black, so no one can blame you for stray marks on election materials
☐ Notebook and/or several copies of this printable form. This is safer than an online form, as you can lose reception or be prohibited from using a phone.
When you take notes: Sketching the room will help you remember & track who went where. Here’s an example:
Before reporting to anyone:
Make sure you write down the date and time, what you saw, and who was involved (names or descriptions of people).
In deciding what else to tell, consider the following:
- Who was involved in the error or situation?
- Must action be taken immediately to correct the mistake?
- Who do you believe has the power to act?
- Is outside intervention needed?
Options for Reporting Issues
- Staff member designated to answer observer questions. If necessary, ask to speak with a supervisor.
- Your buddy & other observers in the room
- SeeSay2022.com [site not live yet]
- State election groups
- Candidates
- You may know some contacts. Find more at: https://ballotpedia.org/Sample_Ballot_Lookup
- Lawyers at 866-OUR-VOTE, and/or other lawyers:
- English: 866-OUR-VOTE – Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
- Spanish/English: 888-VE-Y-VOTA – NALEO Educational Fund
- Arabic/English: 844-YALLA-US – Arab American Institute (AAI)
- Asian Languages/English: 888-API-VOTE – APIAVote & Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC)
- Voter protection field programs: legal – managed by the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and grassroots managed by Common Cause
- Digital outreach tools: including 866ourvote.org, @866ourVote, and facebook.com/866OurVote
- US Department of Justice (DOJ)
- Every part of the country has a US Attorney. Each one names an election lawyer who can investigate federal issues. Change ohio to your state at end of this search: https://duckduckgo.com/?q=%22district+election+officer%22+ohio
- The head office of the Justice Dept (DOJ) monitors some areas, and you can send them reasons to monitor other areas as well. 202-307-2767 or 800-253-3931
- DOJ also receives complaints about civil rights discrimination.
- Election Official Legal Defense Network
- They have lawyers who defend election staff for state laws (not against public or observers)
- Scrutineers may be able to help guide you toward appropriate action. Reach us on Twitter @ScrutineersUS or email us.
A Few More Things…
Join the Scrutineers Community!
It’s a great place to learn more, connect with others, and take additional actions in the struggle for fair, transparent, accessible, and secure elections! Learn more
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