Tracy Fuller, President, Government Services at Allied Universal explores how to secure and prepare polling places for the upcoming election.

The upcoming election

Free and fair elections are the foundation of a successful democracy or republic.

The sanctity of voting is one of the basic tenants of the American Constitution with amendments added over the decades, granting voting rights to various sectors of American society.

Along with this constitutional right comes immense responsibility for the states to ensure polling places remain safe, non-partisan locations for citizens to cast votes for their future leaders.

With a turbulent political environment, Election Day presents unique security challenges that involve securing the voting process itself along with managing the broader public reaction to the unfolding results.

This requires a multifaceted security approach that addresses potential threats at polling places and the possible impacts on nearby businesses and the public.

Prepare for it all

Election Day security measures should be implemented across a wide range of locations from urban centers to small communities.

Polling places can become a focal point for disruption and nearby businesses may experience increased foot traffic and potential disturbances.

As results are announced, emotional responses may escalate and potentially lead to public gatherings or protests, which businesses and security teams should also be prepared to manage.

Voting location security

Ensuring the safety of voting locations on Election Day is crucial for protecting voters and election workers against threats, abuse or harassment.

It’s also important because many voting sites are multi-use facilities such as schools, community centers or places of worship that may have regular activities concurrently with voting.

Security measures should be comprehensive enough to secure the voting area and ensure the safety of other areas of the facility.

Disruptions to business operation

Businesses near polling locations face unique challenges as well, including increased customer traffic and potential disruptions from heightened political activity.

These disruptions can extend to the availability of employees, as some staff might be hesitant to work close to a polling site due to concerns about overcrowding or political tensions.

Businesses should prepare contingency plans to manage workforce shortages and ensure smooth operations.

Disruptions in public gathering locations

Disruptions in urban centers or public gathering places can significantly impact local businesses and the community.

These areas, often bustling with activity, may experience increased foot traffic and potential overcrowding, leading to logistical challenges such as traffic, road closures and detours.

Businesses should prepare for disruptions by adjusting their operational strategies, perhaps altering delivery schedules or business hours to accommodate the changes.

Clear communication with customers about how Election Day might impact services is vital to managing expectations and maintaining smooth operations.

Security considerations beyond event locations

Businesses near polling locations should therefore develop contingency plans to address potential disruptions and workforce shortages.

Flexible work arrangements, such as remote working options or staggered shifts, can help maintain operations.

Additionally, businesses should consider enhancing on-site security measures and providing staff with clear guidelines for handling increased customer traffic or potential conflicts.

Local authorities and businesses also should collaborate on traffic management and public safety strategies.

This could involve rerouting traffic, providing timely information to the public about congested areas and increasing the presence of law enforcement to manage crowds effectively.

The charged atmosphere of Election Day can also heighten tensions within organizations.

It’s important to foster a respectful workplace environment and prepare to mediate conflicts that arise from differing political views.

Mitigations to consider

To ensure a safe and organized voting experience, there are some important mitigation strategies to consider when planning for security at individual polling places.

Access control and monitoring

Implementing strict access control and surveillance technologies at polling places will help monitor and manage voter flow and detect any unauthorized or suspicious activities, ensuring a secure environment for voters and staff.

Coordination with local law enforcement

Effective collaboration with local law enforcement agencies is essential for responding quickly to security incidents.

A quick response is crucial for dealing with incidents of violence or voter intimidation.

Personnel

It’s important to have trained security personnel on-site who can quickly respond to incidents and ensure the safety of election and non-election activities.

It’s also important to provide security training to election workers to rehearse potential scenarios and equip them with reactions and responses so they feel prepared and empowered.

Reporting violence

Complaints related to violence, threats of violence or acts of intimidation at a polling place should be reported immediately to local authorities by calling 911.

They also should be reported to the Justice Department after local authorities are contacted.

Preparedness and response plans

Businesses should develop emergency plans that include procedures for handling increased customer volume and responding to potential crises, such as nearby protests or civil unrest resulting from the election results.

These plans should be communicated to all employees, so they know what to do in different scenarios.

Staying safe while voting

Plan your visit: Know your polling station’s location in advance and consider visiting it beforehand to familiarize yourself with the area.

Stay alert and report suspicious activity: Be aware of your surroundings and vigilant about unusual activities. If you observe something suspicious, report it to election officials or security personnel immediately.

Maintain a low profile: Engage in minimal conversation about political preferences at the polls to avoid conflicts or arguments.

Consider safety in numbers: If possible, go to the polls with a friend or family member. There is safety in numbers and having someone with you can make the process smoother and safer.

Follow all election protocols: Adhere to any specific guidelines or protocols set by the polling location, which may include health safety measures, especially in the context of public health concerns.

Keep children at home: If possible, avoid taking children to polling locations to protect them from any unforeseen disturbances.

Prepare for restrictions: Be aware that some areas might restrict vehicular movement on Election Day, so plan your transportation accordingly.

Securing polling places with a variety of physical and procedural safeguards will help to ensure a safe and fair election process.

Preventing disruptions, protecting voters and poll workers, and safeguarding the integrity of the voting process ensures the integrity of free election and fosters voter confidence in the election process.

This article was originally published in the November edition of Security Journal Americas. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.