DOs & DON’Ts of EARLY VOTING Michael Winn Director of Elections Travis County Texas

Early voting is the process by which voters can vote on a single or series of days prior to an election

Early voting can increase voter participation and relieve congestion of polling stations on Election day.

Early voting in person at designated polling stations during time periods prior to Election Day vary based on jurisdiction and type of election.

What States Allow Early Voting?

Travis County Texas Early Voting

Infrastructure is the key to early voting

INFRASTRUCTURE  Equipment  Staffing  Resources

Early voting depends on a safe and secure process

Early voting depends on procedural integrity

Controls on Accountable Voting Materials Ballots must be secure and periodic reconciliations of accountable voting materials must take place.

Equipment – electronic poll books

Equipment – security

Locations – Central Locations

EV – Staffing  Longer time period of employment  Staff must commit to extended hours including weekends  Advanced, more complex training needed  Workers must be comfortable with additional skill sets & tools

Stake Holders Support  Voters  Elected Officials  Parties  Candidates/Campaigns  Media

Candidates & Campaigns EARLY VOTING WILL CHANGE THE WAY CANDIDATES AND PARTIES CONDUCT THEIR CAMPAIGNS

Public Awareness

COSTS Who will pay?

DOs OF EARLY VOTING  Create an strategic implementation plan  Seek community support  Secure resources to cover EV costs  Increase public awareness  Build infrastructure  Learn from other states who conduct EV

DON’Ts OF EARLY VOTING  Rush into EV without planning  Conduct EV without solid infrastructure  Operate without adequate resources  Forget to secure stakeholder support  Fail to ask for help  Reinvent the wheel

Next conversation: Vote Centers