Keep your community safe at the polls

One way to keep your community safe during election season is to minimize online misinformation: block trolls and targeted harassment, don't amplify fear. But you can help at the polls, as well. Despite current disinformation about what might happen on Election Day, you can save and follow this four-point de-escalation plan. 

• Observe your surroundings
• Initiate discussion
• Navigate risk
• Obtain help, if necessary

Observe

• Identify a threat in loud, abusive language people could find threatening, or exaggerated physical movements near poll-goers.
• Manage your stress response first - you cannot de-escalate if you are escalated. Remember the clear community goal, not an ego-centric goal. 

Initiate

• Start with a hello: “Hi, how are you, I’m [name].”
• Check your verbiage for judgmental language that can make someone more defensive.
• If possible, move the person from a crowded area to the sidelines.
• Lead with their needs: “Come with me.” -> “May I speak with you?” or “Can I get you some water over here?”
• Stand relaxed, let your shoulders drop, keep your hands in visible space. 
• Speak slowly and low, move slowly, lean in a way that signifies listening, like nodding and soft eye contact and neutral facial expression; no overt staring or smiling.

Navigate 

• Know where your exits are, and position yourself by space where you can leave. 
• Focus on feelings questions instead of power questions. Responding to confrontational inquiries often leads directly into an unhelpful power struggle.
• Allow silence for reflection and decision-making.

Conversation cheat-sheet! Instead of: 

Calm down.” -> “I can see that you are upset...” 

“I can’t help you.” -> “I want to help, what can I do?” 

“I know how you feel.” -> “I understand that you feel...” 

Obtain help

• Avoid loudly calling for help or telling the person to “calm down.” 
• Make eye contact with others nearby who can slowly come over to assist, without ganging up. 
• A tap in/tap out is when the primary listener switches out, which can se-escalate by change of setting.
• Indicate to someone in the distance to call for help if warranted. They should do so out of view, with phones out of view. 
• Debrief as a group after the event to make sure everyone is okay. 

Voters who encounter irregularities at their polling location can call the following:

• The national nonpartisan Election Protection hotline: 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
• Philadelphia Commissioners’ Office for questions about the election process: 215-686-VOTE.

Remember, if you are in line to vote by 8 p.m., you MUST be allowed to cast your ballot.