Transcript Dos and Don’ts of Early Voting

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
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