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The Partnership Project

Guide to Countering Attempts to Sabotage the 2024 Election

Drew McConville

The Partnership Project does not engage in activities to support or oppose any candidate for public office and does not encourage other C3s to do so.

Consult legal counsel to ensure compliance with relevant laws.

The 2020 election underscored the vulnerability of American democracy, prompting many organizations across the nonprofit sector to consider their role in safeguarding our democracy—including the environmental community. As the 2024 election approaches, the importance of collective action and strategic foresight cannot be overstated in preparing for a repeat of potential efforts to sabotage and steal the upcoming election. Together, our community must stand ready to defend and uphold the principles of democracy, ensuring the environmental movement remains vigilant, resilient, and prepared for any outcome. Fortunately, we are not alone; networks of organizations and coalitions are building the necessary infrastructure to defend democracy. With our history of mobilizations, advocacy, and large grassroots memberships, our community can and must stand in solidarity with this broader movement to protect our freedom to vote. Each of our organizations can and must play a role in protecting our democracy during this time.

Our shared purpose. To play a critical role within the broader movement aimed at defending our democracy from those who may attempt to undermine the upcoming election.
About this document. This C3 document aims to inspire, mobilize, and support the leadership of environmental organizations to address and respond to potential attempts to steal the upcoming election. The document compiles the environmental community’s institutional knowledge from previous election cycles along with the emerging resources from other organizations and coalitions leading the effort to prepare our country for this scenario.

Understanding this Scenario

While our environmental community has previously navigated attempts to undermine presidential elections, the forthcoming election may pose unique challenges and opportunities. In anticipation, leading entities within and beyond our movement have engaged in pivotal research to identify the strategies, threats, and potential impacts that lie ahead. This section aggregates this research to equip us with the necessary knowledge and tools to proactively anticipate and understand these challenges, ensuring we are prepared to navigate and counteract them effectively.

The Election Sabotage Playbook

To grasp the looming threat of election sabotage, the Brennan Center for Justice presents “The Election Deniers Playbook for 2024,” a sharp analysis of the role election denial played in the 2022 midterms and its expected evolution as we approach the 2024 election. This report meticulously outlines the following 14 tactics utilized by election deniers during the 2022 election cycle:

With a clear picture of what to expect, our community can better prepare to counter these attacks. Fortunately, there are also lessons our community can learn from previous election cycles.

Lessons Learned

In recent election cycles, a variety of organizations and support mechanisms have risen to counter the strategies outlined in the playbook, offering valuable insights for future defenses. A prime example is the report “Democracy Defended: Key Findings From the 2020 Election” by the Legal Defense Fund, which scrutinizes C3 election-related activities. This report highlights the systemic barriers encountered by Black voters in particular states, offering actionable recommendations for policymakers, election administrators, and community members to ensure equitable voting access in the future. Key takeaways include:

These lessons serve as a crucial blueprint to guide you in structuring resources and strategies to effectively safeguard the electoral process and ensure fair participation for all communities. Building on this collective wisdom of the broader movement, this document also captures the invaluable insights gained by CDP through leading planning efforts in past election cycles.

Why start preparing now?

The Center for American Progress has issued a report underscoring the imperative to proactively address threats to the forthcoming election. It highlights how the aftermath of January 6 continues to cast a long shadow, evidenced by escalating threats of political violence, a growing reluctance among local election officials to certify accurate results, and elected officials who allow unfounded conspiracy theories to influence election policies. To safeguard the integrity of our electoral process, we must prepare for several key threats:

Our role

We are not alone in this fight. Alongside us, a broad network of organizations, including the Election Sabotage Response Network at State Democracy Defenders and others detailed in this guide, are actively fortifying our defenses against any efforts to undermine the electoral process. At the heart of our collective effort, The Green Democracy Table, representing the intersection of democracy and the environment, serves as a vital link to this broader movement. It is important to remind your staff and supporters that we have agency and a critical role to play in this fight.  We anticipate efforts that lay the groundwork for challenging election results and suppressing vote counts, regardless of the outcome. A powerful grassroots movement can counteract this pressure and protect our votes.

Understanding this scenario underscores the need for our community to recognize that the strategies and tactics historically relied upon in past presidential elections may no longer be sufficient. As we move forward, it’s crucial to adapt and update our approaches based on the evolving landscape since the last election, ensuring our efforts are as impactful and effective as possible.

What Has Changed?

As we approach another pivotal election, it’s crucial to recognize that the landscape of political and environmental advocacy has evolved significantly since the last presidential election. Our community may need to evolve beyond traditional strategies and tactics to counteract increasingly sophisticated efforts to sabotage election outcomes. Groups across our network must educate themselves on these changes and prepare accordingly. This section highlights key areas where shifts have occurred, from the fossil fuel industry’s efforts to suppress protest to the sophisticated tactics employed to undermine voting rights and distort democracy. Staying informed and adaptable is essential for effective advocacy in this transformed environment.

Greenpeace USA’s Inside the Fossil Fuel Industry’s Playbook to Suppress Protest and Dissent in the United States

Americans overwhelmingly support government action on the climate crisis. As a result, the fossil fuel industry has expanded its playbook to delay the transition to clean energy and protect its profits through efforts that undermine our right to free speech. Since the Dakota Access Pipeline protests at Standing Rock in 2016, oil and gas companies have played a key role in the creation and spread of anti-protest laws with provisions specifically intended to stifle protests near fossil fuel facilities. Eighteen states, accounting for roughly 60% of oil and gas production, have enacted sweeping versions of such legislation. Another four states have enacted narrower versions of the same legislation, which could be exploited by prosecutors seeking to issue trumped-up charges against peaceful protesters.

Global Center for Climate Justice’s Voter Suppression and the Polluter Industrial Complex

Voters of color, young people, those with disabilities, and working-class folks are more likely to vote for environmentally conscious candidates. Over the last 10 years, we have seen a vicious attack on American democracy for the benefit of the fossil fuel industry and its corporate allies. The groups targeted by this oligarchical assault on the foundation of American democracy are also the communities and individuals most affected by environmental and climate injustices. The Polluter Industrial Complex is using extensive resources to ensure that this voting bloc is stripped of its voice, thus removing the power of the people to effectively control their destructive profiteering and regulate their impact on communities and the environment.

The Brennan Center’s Threats and Intimidation Are Distorting U.S. Democracy.

The Brennan Center released this important and timely report documenting the growing problem of abuse, threats, and violence directed at state and local elected officials. Top-level figures are very troubling. At the state level, 43 percent of legislators have experienced threats, and 38 percent reported that the amount of abuse they experience has increased since first taking public office. In comparison, only 16 percent reported that it has decreased. The numbers for local officials are similarly worrisome.

In navigating this shifting landscape, staying informed and proactive is more important than ever. By understanding these changes and adapting our strategies, we can continue to fight effectively for democracy and our planet, ensuring our voices are heard and our actions impactful in the crucial elections ahead.

Guidelines for C3 Organizations

The Partnership Project commissioned this memo from the law firm Harmon-Curran laying out some guidelines on how 501(c)(3)s may engage in efforts after Election Day to protect against efforts to sabotage the 2024 general elections. This memorandum outlines the main legal principles applicable to c3s participation in such activities and provides some guidelines to identify activity that should be clearly permissible, activity that is off-limits for c3s, and activity that falls into the gray area in between, as well as offer some recommendations to mitigate the attendant risks.

This memorandum is not intended to provide legal advice to specific organizations or coalitions but is instead intended to provide a general summary of the relevant legal principles and suggest some best practices for mitigating risk in this area. Additionally, the Alliance for Justice’s Bolder Advocacy program offers many free advocacy resources to guide C3 organizations in conducting this work during an election cycle. No two 501(c)(3)s are identical, and each organization must consider its own risk profile and vulnerabilities in deciding whether and how to engage in this area, and any limitations on activities set forth in its governing documents or funder-imposed restrictions on activities. Accordingly, organizations should consult their own counsel for advice about specific activities.

Please feel free to contact their hotline if you have any questions about your nonprofit advocacy rights in general – their attorney-trainers are available every weekday to offer free technical assistance: advocacy@afj.org or 866-NP-LOBBY (866-675-6229) or at sara@afj.org o 415-528-3540 para comunicarse en español.

Things You Can Do Before the Election

We urge our community to immediately adopt a dual strategy to safeguard the election and strengthen our democracy:

Taking these steps ensures we are not just reactive but actively contributing to a robust defense of our democracy. The following sections outline actionable steps, blending CDP’s lessons from past election cycles with updated resources and infrastructure for this election.

Communicate Now to Prepare for This Scenario

The number one thing you can do to prepare for these scenarios is to set realistic expectations for this upcoming election. If our supporters understand what to expect and the need for patience, we can effectively counter the messaging that promotes confusion and uncertainty. Ensuring your messaging resonates with and supports the broader effort to protect democracy is essential. To aid in this endeavor, here is a curated list of resources designed to support your communications strategy.

The Green Democracy Table. Numerous coalitions beyond the environmental community are developing messaging strategies for this scenario. Our task is to ensure that our messaging aligns with this broader effort to defend democracy while speaking to the values and needs of our supporters. To remain actively informed and connected to these emerging resources, consider joining the Green Democracy Table. This vibrant community facilitates an active listserv where these resources will be shared and convenes weekly meetings every Friday at 11 AM Eastern Time. For more details, please reach out to Samantha Lockhart at LockhartS@nwf.org or Justin Kwasa at Jkwasa@lcvef.org.

Environmental Polling Consortium (EPC). The EPC stands as the premier destination for environmental advocates seeking polling data on climate and environmental issues. By aggregating, sharing, and interpreting polling data, the EPC aims to democratize access to this information, making it easier for organizations to craft data-driven strategies.

Polling Resource Library. The EPC Polling Resource Library houses over 1000 polling documents to equip advocates with the necessary tools and insights for their campaigns and advocacy work. You can create a free account and explore the keyword searchable library. If you have any further questions or need help going through the data, contact David Gold (Director) and Leah Zamesnik (Partnership Manager). They are always happy to help answer any and all polling questions!  

Common Cause Education Fund Combating Election Disinformation Resources. Common Cause offers essential resources for understanding and combating election disinformation. Begin with their insightful report, “Election Disinformation in 2022 and What We Learned for 2024,” to grasp the complexities of today’s electoral challenges. According to this report, the 2024 election cycle will present unique challenges in addition to the ones that are now standard in elections, including: 

Need more? Common Cause produces a weekly newsletter to counter disinformation. Use this link to subscribe. 

By leveraging these resources, you can ensure your communication efforts are both impactful and aligned with the broader mission to safeguard our democracy.

Coordinate With State-based Initiatives

To safeguard our elections, it’s paramount that you follow the guidance of local leaders, especially in key counties nationwide where the threat of election interference is most acute. Local initiatives are underway to bridge the needs of state leaders with supporting organizations. Effective coordination with these state-based efforts is not just beneficial—it is essential. Direct coordination with state-based entities like the Fightback Table was crucial in successfully defending the 2020 electoral process.

The Election Sabotage Response Network (ESRN) is the best place to get localized updates on what’s happening and how to plug in. To connect, fill out this form and follow up with an email to intake@statedemocracydefenders.org to let them know an intake request has been submitted. You can also register for the ESRN briefing series (which will become the hub for daily updates in the days immediately before and after election day) here. Additionally, consider subscribing to the Green Democracy Table listserv (see details above) to keep abreast of ongoing and future initiatives. Your involvement is pivotal in supporting local leadership to ensure the integrity of our elections.

Help Supporters Register to Vote and Plan to Cast Their Ballot

Educate members and supporters about the necessity of having a plan to vote, pushing—where applicable—for voting-by-mail ASAP, early voting, early ballot drop-off at official locations, and sharing resources so they can identify their polling place and voter ID requirements as well. Here is a comprehensive list of resources to help you:

Resources To Vote By Mail From Home:

Resources To Vote Early In Person:

Resources To Vote In Person On Election Day:

Resources to Answer Your Voting Questions

Recruit Supporters to Help with Election Protection

As we approach the upcoming election, a key priority is to guarantee that every voter has the opportunity to cast their ballot safely and successfully. Ensuring accessible, secure voting is crucial for the integrity of our democratic process.

Election Protection Network https://866ourvote.org/. The national, nonpartisan Election Protection coalition works year-round to ensure that all voters have an equal opportunity to vote and have that vote count. Made up of more than 300 local, state, and national partners, Election Protection uses a wide range of tools and activities to protect, advance, and defend the right to vote.

Resource for Election Protection Hotlines. Have questions about voter registration deadlines, absentee or mail-in ballots, or in-person voting options during early voting or on Election Day? Call or text the Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) to connect with a trained volunteer. Assistance is available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Urdu, Hindi, and Bengali. For more detailed voting information specific to your state, visit their website.

Recruit Supporters to Work at the Polls https://www.powerthepolls.org/. Our democracy depends on ordinary people who make sure every election runs smoothly and everyone’s vote is counted. Your organization can make sure we have safe, fair, and efficient elections for all voters by asking your supporters and staff to become nonpartisan poll workers for the next election today.

Recruit Nonpartisan Election Protection Volunteers https://protectthevote.net/. Every election year, the Election Protection Network recruits, trains, and deploys thousands of Election Protection volunteers across the nation. These trained, nonpartisan volunteers serve as voters’ first line of defense against confusing voting rules, outdated infrastructure, rampant misinformation, and needless obstacles to the ballot box.

De-escalation, Bystander, and Community Safety Training and Resources. Princeton University’s Bridging Divides Initiative has created a state-by-state directory of local and national trainings. The tools and strategies that the training provides can help communities, local leaders, election officials, poll workers, and individuals take concrete steps to prepare for elections, public meetings, and demonstrations, especially when there is a heightened risk of political violence.

Things You Can Do if the Election is Contested

The previous presidential election highlighted the intense stress associated with election interference. As we face this possibility again, we must stand united and resilient, recognizing that living through this scenario will impact some of our staff and supporters more than others. To navigate this scenario effectively, we must proactively equip our staff and supporters with the necessary support and resources. Here are the essential steps you should take to prepare now:

Consider Your Group’s Role and Parameters for Defending Democracy

Every organization must have tough conversations now about how they will defend the integrity of our electoral process. These discussions will help mentally prepare staff and organizations and help plan the most effective and appropriate engagement possible. Energy and direction will come from the movement to protect democracy. Still, groups in our community have a critical role to play, depending on how we approach these key questions:

We recognize that organizations need to consult with executive leadership, funders, and their boards of directors. Here is guidance that the Combined Defense Project prepared in the last election to help make your case.

Focus on Readiness in the States

The aftermath of a contested election can extend well into January, with key local officials like secretaries of state, attorneys general, supervisors of elections, and governors playing crucial roles.

Create a Rapid Response Team

To enhance our preparedness and effectiveness, each organization should consider establishing a rapid response team. This specialized team will be crucial for swiftly coordinating internal actions, taking into account our resources and capacities. It is vital to clearly define the team’s membership and decision-makers, establish streamlined communication channels, and ensure they can quickly assimilate and respond to information and directives from the broader movement. This strategy will enable us to react promptly and efficiently to any situation, ensuring our efforts are cohesive and impactful.

Message Guidance

This document aims to equip communicators with the tools they need to build a forward-looking values-based narrative that counters and blocks election sabotage efforts so that we can preserve, protect, and defend our freedom to vote. By emphasizing shared values, unity, and the importance of our democratic traditions, we can confront and withstand attacks on the election process and uphold the will of the people.

Dedicate Digital Capacity Now

Social media, email action alerts, text alerts, and other digital tools are essential opportunities for groups to use their platforms to elevate the need to protect a fair election, inform members of mobilizations, and counteract misinformation and unproductive narratives.

Make a Plan for Staff Well-being and Organizational Readiness

Ensuring the well-being of our staff and maintaining organizational efficiency are crucial as we plan for this post-election scenario. It is essential to create a plan that supports mental and emotional resilience. This plan includes allowing staff to unplug and ensuring others can assume their responsibilities as needed. Here are targeted strategies for preparation:

Give Staff a Finish Line. To minimize burnout and optimize engagement, assign specific teams to distinct phases of the post-election process. If possible, have one team for any work before the election, another group to defend the integrity of our democracy, if needed, and another to mobilize on our issues once the election is determined.

Ending on a Note of Hope is Vital

We understand the challenge of preparing our supporters and staff for potential threats—it’s tough to broach these topics without stirring emotions that might lead to despair. However, it’s crucial to uplift and empower your audience. Acknowledge their concerns, but also remind them of their power and our collective history of overcoming such challenges. We’re seasoned in this fight, armed with countless success stories that bind us in our common endeavor. Conclude your discussions by igniting hope and emphasizing our shared duty that we can do this, we must do this, and we will do this—together. 

Stay Connected and Informed

In the dynamic landscape of environmental advocacy and conservation, staying informed and connected is more crucial than ever. This section introduces you to critical communities and platforms where passionate individuals and experts converge to share insights, actions, and resources. From the collaborative forums of the Green Democracy Table and People Over Polluters to the dedicated efforts of leading organizations in promoting clean energy and voting rights, these resources offer invaluable opportunities for engagement and action. Dive into each to discover how you can contribute to and benefit from these collective endeavors.

The Green Democracy Table. To remain informed and connected to our community’s initiatives, consider joining the Green Democracy Table. As mentioned previously, this vibrant community facilitates an active listserv and convenes weekly meetings every Friday at 11 AM Eastern Time. For more details, please reach out to Samantha Lockhart at LockhartS@nwf.org or Justin Kwasa at Jkwasa@lcvef.org.

People Over Polluters. People Over Polluters is your gateway to the latest insights, actions, and resources, uniting organizers, communicators, and policy experts from the environmental and conservation sectors. Hosted by Arc Initiatives, this inclusive community gathers for calls every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9:05 AM Eastern Time. To tap into this vibrant network and receive invitations to these essential discussions, reach out and join their listserv at 9-05@team-arc.com. 

Environmental Organization Resources

The Partnership Project does not engage in activities to support or oppose any candidate for public office and does not encourage other C3s to do so.

Consult legal counsel to ensure compliance with relevant laws.