Groups Boost Election Protection Across Three States

Civic groups in Nevada and South Dakota are recruiting and training election observers to monitor polling places during the Nov. 3 general election. Nevada’s nonpartisan network plans to deploy observers across the state and Tribal communities, documenting election procedures for a public assessment while instructing them not to interfere. The ACLU of South Dakota plans volunteer coverage in Aberdeen, Rapid City and Sioux Falls, with observers recording concerns including intimidation, accessibility barriers, long lines, ballot shortages and voter-registration challenges. The ACLU says recent state laws affecting eligibility and voter challenges heighten the need to ensure voters understand their rights and are not improperly turned away. Separately, the ACLU of West Virginia is promoting its established election-protection hotline, staffed by trained attorneys and law students, for voting questions and reports of problems such as intimidation or electioneering.