Vote Protectors have a BIG impact. During the 2020 Elections, Vote Protectors sounded the alarm when precincts ran out of paper ballots, when voters were denied provisional ballots, and much more. Their work allowed us to fight for and win on-the-spot fixes so fewer voters were turned away. Vote Protectors helped hundreds of voters by answering questions and resolving issues at the polls.
Constant changes to election law, the continuing pandemic, and poll worker shortages pose unique challenges to voters. Democracy North Carolina’s nonpartisan Voter Protection program works to ensure that every eligible voter in our state can register to vote and successfully cast their ballot.Â
Vote Protectors (previously known as poll monitors) serve as our “eyes and ears on the ground” at voting sites across North Carolina. They help voters who encounter problems at the polls and ensure that every polling place is running as it should — and sounding the alarm when something isn’t right.Â
Vote Protectors will monitor polling places in their communities on May 14 and/or May 17 flagging:Â
As a vote protector, you will:
In 2022, protecting the right to vote in North Carolina has never been more important. And we need your help.
Vote Protector, Juan, is ready to get to work.
If you have a disability or health risks that prevent you from leaving your car, please email us and we will work with you so that you can still participate in this program. Another alternative would be to join our Sign Distribution Squad.
Additional questions? Please contact voteprotector@democracync.org.
Democracy North Carolina also staffs a voter assistance NC Election Protection Hotline to provide real-time voter information and field voting problems.
We are recruiting volunteers to answer the hotline during the 2022 Primary. Volunteers will answer calls from voters across the state, documenting problems and working to remove barriers to voting. All volunteers will receive a brief training on NC election law before their first shift. To serve as a hotline volunteer, you should hold a JD, or be currently enrolled in law school, or have prior experience answering a nonpartisan voter hotline.Â
To receive more information, head to our Hotline page here, or reach out to Jennifer Osborne at jenniferosborne@democracync.org.
For questions regarding your individual voter registration or for more information, you can visit ncvoter.org, the NC State Board of Elections website, or contact the NC Election Protection Hotline at 888-OUR-VOTE (888-687-8683).Â