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We help journalists cover elections.

The Election SOS newsletter is a dedicated resource for journalists covering the 2020 election. Here, we update you on our upcoming programming, share our favorite election-related stories, and provide critical resources to help with your coverage as we move closer to November.

Upcoming sessions

You're invited! Free and open to your colleagues, too. Spread the word.

How to reach young and first-time voters

When: Monday, Sep. 21, 2020 at 04:00 PM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Young and first-time voters will be critical for this election cycle. Join Vote.org’s Chief of Staff Najaah Daniels to learn:

How to reach a critical audience of young and new voters
Ways new and young voters can get-out-the-vote and help others do the same
How you can use Vote.org online tools in your newsroom

Register here

What we’re reading:

Judge might order paper voter lists for Georgia’s election- The AJC

A federal judge in Georgia says she’s considering requiring paper backups of voter information this election season. The goal of the potential measure is to prevent longer wait times if problems arise with with voting machines or if people get caught in long lines like they did in the state’s June primary. Read more from the Atlanta Journal-Constitutions’s Mark Niesse about the potential shift and how the state got here.

Michigan sets record for number of absentee ballot requests for Nov. election - The Detroit Free Press

In Michigan, a record number of residents have already submitted applications for absentee ballots. 2 million voters have submitted applications, and according to the Detroit Free Press, a big reason for this is a 2018 law that allows anyone to vote absentee. State officials are expecting over 3 million people to use absentee ballots this November.

Wisconsin Supreme Court says mailing of absentee ballots should be halted while Green Party lawsuit is considered - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

In Wisconsin, the state Supreme Court said that election officials should hold off on mailing out absentee ballots so a determination can be made on whether or not Green Party candidates should be included. According to the Milwaukee Journal this could mean that over 2 million ballots will need to be reprinted and election officials in the state say over 350,000 ballots may have already been mailed.

Please Tell Us If You Have Any Trouble Voting This Year - ProPublica

Voters around the country are facing unprecedented problems and roadblocks as we head into November and Pro-Publica’s Electionland project wants to hear from them. Head on over to their website to check out their newest project and how they’re trying to source stories from people on the ground.

Reporting resources:

Apply for immediate election project funds or coverage support - The American Press Institute

The American Press Institute is offering micro-grants ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 and free expert support to news organizations seeking to strengthen their Election 2020 coverage. Their goal is to support efforts that promote communities’ understanding of how to vote and address mis- and disinformation at the local level. They encourage you to get creative and to submit an application even if your idea isn’t fully formed! The deadline to apply is Sept. 14, 11:59 p.m. ET.

National Task Force on Election Crises Media Summit

Need help getting your newsroom ready for elections coverage this year? Join the National Task Force on Election Crises in a discussion with Michael Chertoff, the former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security. Experts will discuss election cycle, the laws and procedures that govern the process, and how journalists can get ready for an election unlike anything we’ve ever seen. Join them, September 17 at 10:30 AM.

Register here: https://gpg.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wwuBdyArT52yPPm8XvJrpA

U.S. elections 2020: Journalist safety kit

Staying safe this election cycle is a primary concern for newsrooms across the country. Check out this guide from the Committee to Protect Journalists on how newsrooms can protect employees and put them in a position to do their jobs safely.

Source of the week

Kimberly Wehle - Law Professor at The University of Baltimore and author of What You Need to Know about Voting — and Why.

In case you missed it

Election officials and their capacity to serve voters: storylines

Did you miss our last session with Democracy Fund's Tammy Patrick? If so, no worries. Check on her slide deck or video of her presentation here.

Election SOS Switchboard

Do you want to connect with other journalists covering elections to get tips, ideas and share your insights? Then take 2 minutes right now and sign up for the Election SOS Switchboard. Did we mention that Hearken Consulting Team is also available to answer your questions?

Join The Election SOS Switchboard

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