What is the Election Official Legal Defense Network?

We are partnering with the Election Official Legal Defense Network (EOLDN) to build a pipeline of qualified and passionate attorneys interested in supporting election officials and poll workers at no cost. EOLDN is a project of the nonpartisan, nonprofit Center for Election Innovation & Research and works to connect pro bono attorneys with election administrators facing work-related harassment, intimidation, or targeting. This service is available regardless of the election official’s political affiliation, or whether they work in a blue or red state or county. For the Rules for Lawyers and Law Firms Participating in EOLDN, click here. 

Why do election officials need legal support?

The past few years have brought an onslaught of threats, harassment, targeting, and distrust directed toward election officials, the vast majority of whom are career civil servants who simply want to oversee free, fair, safe, and accessible elections.

The majority of requests for support received by EOLDN are not about interpreting aspects of election law—there are existing mechanisms for that—but rather center around help with sending cease and desist letters, dealing with harassment or threats, facing attempts to undermine their job duties, or determining their legal options. These requests come from election officials in all states, on both sides of the aisle, with fears compounded for women and people of color who often receive threats overlaid with misogyny and racism.

Per EOLDN, “those seeking help from EOLDN may be facing difficult and stressful circumstances and may feel very isolated. They may be concerned that their job is at risk or they may be scared for their safety and the safety of their families. Matters might need urgent attention. EOLDN’s goal is to match lawyers with clients as efficiently as possible and to do what we can as a matching service to ensure that clients receive prompt, responsive, timely, and competent legal representation.”  

How does supporting them ensure free, fair, safe, and accessible elections?

A recent finding from the Elections & Voting Information Center Local Election Official (LEO) Survey shows a continued decline in job satisfaction for election administrators. One of the main drivers of the decline was experiences with threats and harassment. Job satisfaction helps predict workforce stability, and a continued decline could result in the turnover of qualified and impartial election officials during a period of elevated fears and polarization, constituting a threat to the integrity of American elections.

What are the basic requirements for practicing lawyers?

• Engaged in the practice of law full or part-time

• Carry professional liability insurance (minimum: $250k per claim/$500k aggregate)

• Will commit to providing legal services pro bono for EOLDN-matched clients

For the Rules for Lawyers and Law Firms Participating in EOLDN, click here.

Does one need to be an election attorney to volunteer?

No. Most requests that come in do not deal with election law; rather, one might expect questions around physical safety, threats and intimidation or interference with their election duties. Should a question come in for a pro bono volunteer regarding election law specifically, the EOLDN team has resources and experts to consult.

Does it matter which state(s) I practice in?

Attorneys will only be contacted if an election official in their state requests support. No one will be asked to offer guidance or support outside of the jurisdiction in which they are licensed.

Will every attorney who volunteers be contacted to offer support?

Not necessarily. Support is requested by election officials who are then matched with qualified and licensed attorneys in their state. If no requests are made in their state, an attorney may not be contacted by EOLDN. 

Do certain states have a greater need for attorneys?

Yes. Swing states including Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Nevada, and Wisconsin tend to generate more requests for assistance. But EOLDN seeks deeper and broader coverage in all states. The best way to stay informed is for individuals to sign up as pro bono volunteers and plug directly into the network. 

Can paralegals, legal researchers, and other folks in the legal field sign up?

Right now, EOLDN is focused on building a robust list of pro bono attorneys willing to support election officials. EOLDN encourages interested parties to subscribe to the EOLDN newsletter and spread the word to election officials and pro bono attorneys.

What is the time commitment required?

The time commitment may vary, but it usually requires between 2-6 hours. EOLDN completes a formal intake process before matching the election official with a volunteer lawyer. 

How do attorneys sign up?

Click the “Volunteer Now” button at the top of this page and you’re on your way. Legal professionals need not be Jewish to volunteer through this form.