Nonpartisan effort to address barriers to the ballot calls for volunteers 

MASSACHUSETTS—With less than 50 days until the November general election, Common Cause Massachusetts announced the start of its 2024 Election Protection Program to help voters make their voices heard. The voting rights group is looking for poll monitor volunteers to join its nonpartisan program, deploying volunteers in key areas to ensure a smooth election process.

The program is part of the largest, nonpartisan voter protection coalition in the country. Every year, the coalition recruits, trains, and deploys thousands of volunteers across the nation, including Massachusetts. These trained, nonpartisan volunteers serve as voters’ first line of defense against confusing voting rules, rampant misinformation, and needless obstacles to the ballot box. All volunteers will receive training and support.

“While voter enthusiasm is high, we want to make sure all voters know their rights and can cast a ballot freely on Election Day,” said Geoff Foster, Common Cause Massachusetts executive director. “But we know some voters may have trouble casting a ballot and our trained, nonpartisan volunteers are here to help in-person, and by phone call or text.”

The election protection coalition is nonpartisan and not affiliated with any campaign or party. Poll monitors submit reports from each voting location they visit, documenting the voter experience including wait times, tech problems, language and disability access, and compliance with state and federal law. Poll monitors solve problems on the spot and escalate difficult issues to a Command Center staffed by Common Cause attorneys and other staff.

Those who are interested in volunteering with the coalition can visit protectthevote.net.  

The election protection coalition runs the toll-free 866-OUR-VOTE hotline. Voters who encounter any issues can call or text the hotline to be connected to experts who can help. The hotline is available in the following languages: 

• ENGLISH: 866-OUR-VOTE / 866-687-8683  

• SPANISH: 888-VE-Y-VOTA / 888-839-8682  

• ASIAN LANGUAGES: 888-API-VOTE / 888-274-8683  

• ARABIC: 844-YALLA-US / 844-925-5287 

To visit the election protection website, click here.