Adopt a Polling Site Initiative

by | Oct 16, 2020 | Feature

Adopt-a-Polling-Site Initiative aims to ensure equitable, safe voting. 

This year’s election will be unlike any other due to COVID-19 and the removal of the straight party ticket voting option from the ballot. This could result in longer wait times than normal and could serve as a deterrent for people getting out to vote. COVID-19 concerns, efforts to cast doubt on the integrity of the election and threats of voter intimidation have also increased anxiety about showing up to vote.

For this reason, community partners and congregations are being asked by faith organizers to assist in providing resources to counter these narratives, create a spirit of welcome and encouragement at polling sites and encourage our networks and congregations to vote with confidence. The Adopt-a-Polling-Site Initiative focuses on providing the following key resources for polling locations to help ensure open, trouble-free, equitable and safe voting:

  • Hospitality and encouragement
  • Water and snacks
  • Personal protective equipment  (masks, sanitizer, gloves, etc.)
  • Poll monitoring and observation

As an Adopt-a-Polling-Site congregation, Wilshire would be responsible for securing resources and volunteers to support a polling place on Election Day, Nov. 3, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

If you’re interested in helping, SIGN UP HERE or contact Abbey Adcox aadcox@wilshirebc.org. We are looking for hourly volunteers as well as donations of snacks (bottled water and prepackaged snacks).