Nonpartisan effort to address barriers to the ballot calls for volunteers 

PENNSYLVANIA—With less than 50 days until the November general election, Common Cause Pennsylvania announced the start of its 2024 Election Program to help voters make their voices heard. The voting rights group is looking for poll monitor volunteers to join its nonpartisan program to serve in their communities— answering voter questions and navigating obstacles to the ballot box—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 assigns thousands of volunteers to polling places across the nation, including in Pennsylvania. 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 Philip Hensley-Robin, Common Cause Pennsylvania executive director. “With new rules in place, we know some voters may have trouble casting a ballot correctly and on time and we are here to help. Our trained, nonpartisan volunteers are here to help voters make their voices heard.”

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 the toll-free 866-OUR-VOTE hotline, where volunteer operators can assist with more complex problems. Those who are interested in volunteering with the coalition can visit protectthevote.net.

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.