Outreach groups help bolster voter protection
Mia Lewis said anxiety and confusion loom over this year’s general election, but her organization and others are increasing efforts to assure voter protection in Franklin County and across Ohio through Election Day.
Lewis, associate director of Common Cause Ohio, helps lead a nonpartisan group that educates voters and ensures residents can cast their ballots safely. The statewide group is part of a national organization, which forms the Election
Protection coalition.
As tensions run high during a contentious presidential campaign, the COVID-19 pandemic and demonstrations over police killings of Black people, law enforcement officials across the country are preparing for problems before, on and after Election Day.
Columbus police are training officers on what’s allowed at the polls, and groups that are part of the Election Protection coalition are recruiting volunteers with de-escalation training to respond to incidents across the state.
“The idea is that if we do see individuals who are causing intense situations at the polls or where we think voters may field intimidated, we want to have these folks trained in de-escalation to be there to help calm the situation and hopefully head off any need for action by law enforcement,” said Jen Miller, executive director of the League of Women Voters of Ohio.
On the state level, Lewis said Election Protection volunteers protect the rights of eligible voters in various ways. Volunteers can oversee polling locations as poll monitors, distribute signs promoting voter protection, directly answer questions about absentee ballots and in-person voting, and help residents confront issues with their ballots.
During the first weekend of early voting, the coalition called on Rev. Renee Ruchotzke to respond to voter complaints at the Tuscarawas County early voting center that some attendees at a nearby rally and counter-protest both had guns.
Ruchotzke, a Unitarian Universalist minister, donned her clergy collar and drove from her home in Kent to New Philadelphia to act as a reassuring presence at the polls. She said she never engaged with the rally or protesters, but
spoke directly to voters waiting in line to reassure them.
“The collar is like a gesture, but it’s really when I show up I honestly care about the people and their safety. That’s, I think, what makes the difference,” she said.
The Election Protection coalition has recruited clergy members and social workers specifically because they have de-escalation training, Miller said.
Lewis said Election Protection also works directly with the Franklin County Board of Elections to resolve issues such as a recent problem with signage for curbside voting, a key alternative for residents unable to enter voting facilities.
“We’re doing our best to both help voters and protect votes, but also make them feel that the election is safe and secure and they’ll be able to cast their ballot,” Lewis said.
To increase voter protection, the group created volunteer social media monitor positions. The monitors aim to help reduce the spread of voter misinformation, flagging groups who are sending false directives or information.
Lewis said the coalition has also planned around “bottlenecks” that have made voting more difficult for residents.
Citing issues that have occurred with absentee ballots at the county Board of Elections, she said some eligible voters are concerned their votes won’t be counted. Lewis also worries that issues with drop boxes, traffic issues and other factors will disenfranchise voters.
There’s an atmosphere of “distrust,” she said.
“We just want voters to feel safe and secure,” Lewis said.
Jeff Young, director of Franklin County Emergency Management and Homeland Security, said the department has made efforts to increase voter safety throughout the early voting process.
In the months leading up to the general election, Young said the department pivoted from past practice and began working with the county elections board, sheriff’s office and Columbus Division of Police to ensure protective voting measures.
Young’s department brought in workers to provide “situational awareness” under the Volunteers In Public Safety Support (VIPSS) program, which trains volunteers to aid county governments in major emergencies and disasters. Volunteers are trained in CPR, civilian responses to active shooters, emergency communications and other safety methods.
Young said VIPSS volunteers act as the eyes and ears of safety outside the county board of elections building on Morse Road. As they monitor suspicious actions, answer questions and direct people through voting lines, it allows elections officials to focus on voting operations inside.
The sheriff’s office previously led these responsibilities, but the use of radio communication, broad-based awareness efforts and the addition of VIPSS volunteers through Homeland Security are all unique to this year’s election cycle, Young said.
“It would have been appropriate in years past, but it’s always been less of an emotionally charged or noteworthy election in years past,” he said.
VIPPS consultant Fred Bowditch said 12 to 20 volunteers have been focusing on directing crowds and actively communicating with voters at the early voting center.
“We have a real good group of dedicated volunteers,” the retired Columbus police lieutenant said.
In case any groups disrupt voters or incite violence, VIPPS Captain Elizabeth Marsh said she remains in contact with law-enforcement officials to ensure any necessary actions are taken. She carries a radio that connects to the county sheriff’s office in case any medical emergencies, accidents or other incidents occur.
Despite some of the controversy that’s surrounded the election process, Young said operations have gone smoothly and credits the help from community members and VIPSS volunteers.
Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther previously said he and other city officials have been in close communication with local law-enforcement to establish a line of communication in case any groups attempt to suppress voters on Election Day.
“I think we can agree that any disruptions or undue interference in the casting of ballots and improper administration of ballots counting after Election Day would be detrimental to the safety and well-being of Ohioans,” he said.
State leaders are also pushing for voter safeguards, including Gov. Mike Dewine and other mayors across Ohio.
Franklin County Commissioners approved a resolution Oct. 20 that reaffirms their commitment to the safety and integrity of this year’s general election and efforts to help eliminate potential disruption.
The Columbus Division of Police is giving legal training to all of its officers on what is allowed at polling places, and a group within the division has been trained to respond to incidents that arise on Election Day, said Sgt. James Fuqua, the division’s spokesman.
But Fuqua said residents shouldn’t expect to see officers in “full blown riot gear” at the polls. The division learned from its response to protests over the summer, he said, when it was criticized for excessive force.
“Because of that we feel we’re much better equipped to handle this upcoming election week,” Fuqua said. “Emotions will be high whichever side of the political spectrum you fall on.”
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose’s office also has been working with law enforcement across the state to ensure protection from intimidation at the polls, spokeswoman Maggie Sheehan said.
While that is typical in every election, she said the state also began offering de-escalation training for poll workers this year.
Outside a polling location, Ohio law bars “loitering, congregating or engaging in any kind of election campaigning” inside the perimeter elections officials establish with miniature U.S. flags, or within 10 feet of a voter if the line extends beyond the flags.
Sheehan said law enforcement would be prepared to “swiftly respond” to violations of that law on Election Day.
“If people feel they’re being intimidated or there’s a problem at the polling location, notify the officials in charge there and we definitely will take care of it,” Fuqua said. ehopkins@dispatch.com @Earl_hopkins1 rrouan@dispatch.com @Rickrouan