ACLU-PA
Election Protection | An Attorney in Every County
Election Protection across Pennsylvania: ensuring voting rights and access
Posted April 19, 2024
Background & Context
The ACLU-PA is participating in Election Protection – led by the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law – the nation’s largest non-partisan voter protection coalition. We learn of problems experienced by voters through the 1-866-OUR-VOTE hotline and a comprehensive poll monitor field deployment.
Immediate Problem
Every eligible Pennsylvanian deserves to cast their ballot and have it counted. Sometimes attorneys need to appear in order to ensure voting access.
Work & Deliverables
The ACLU-PA identifies lawyers in every Pennsylvania county who practice in their court of common pleas and will be available on Election Day, November 5, 2024, to contact their county elections officials and, if necessary, go to court to protect people’s right to vote.
We request that volunteer lawyers be available the entire day, from the time the polls open at 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. or later. We ask that you set up lines of communication with your county elections officials and/or county solicitor before November 5 so that you will be able to contact them quickly (preferably by cell phone) on Election Day. We will contact you if we need your help to resolve any problems reported in your county. We will provide you with materials concerning Pennsylvania election law and sample pleadings.
You do not need to be an expert on election law to participate, but you do need to be familiar with your court of common pleas.
The hope is for a successful election in which eligible voters are allowed to cast their votes in a timely way--and that we would not need you to appear in court. BUT we will prepare as if you will need to appear.
Preparation Phase
- Intro call with Election Protection Manager
Collaboration Phase
- Complete training
- Update contact information
Wrap Up
- Debrief call
ACLU-PA
The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, membership organization dedicated to defending and expanding individual rights and personal freedoms throughout the entire state of Pennsylvania. Through advocacy, public education and litigation, our staff and volunteers work to preserve and enhance liberties grounded in the United States and Pennsylvania constitutions and civil rights laws. Among those liberties are freedoms of speech, religion and association; the right to petition the government; separation of church and state; the right to privacy; reproductive freedom; due process of law; the rights of the accused; and the right to equal treatment under the law.
ACLU-PA
The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, membership organization dedicated to defending and expanding individual rights and personal freedoms throughout the entire state of Pennsylvania. Through advocacy, public education and litigation, our staff and volunteers work to preserve and enhance liberties grounded in the United States and Pennsylvania constitutions and civil rights laws. Among those liberties are freedoms of speech, religion and association; the right to petition the government; separation of church and state; the right to privacy; reproductive freedom; due process of law; the rights of the accused; and the right to equal treatment under the law.