Nonpartisan effort to address barriers to the ballot calls for volunteers 

RHODE ISLAND—With one week until the November election, Common Cause Rhode Island announced the start of its 2024 Election Protection Program. The voting rights group is looking for poll monitor volunteers to join its nonpartisan effort to assist voters—answering questions and helping them navigate obstacles to the ballot box.

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 Rhode Island. 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.

“With voter enthusiasm sky high, we want to make sure all voters know their rights and can cast a ballot freely on Election Day,” said John Marion, Common Cause Rhode Island Executive Director. “Still too many voters face challenges—from language access to finding their correct polling location. Our trained, nonpartisan volunteers are here to help voters make their voices heard, especially if they are unfamiliar with the voting rules and procedures.”

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. Common Cause Rhode Island will have dozens of volunteers throughout Rhode Island, from Woonsocket to Westerly.

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.