November 1, 2022
Election Communications Plan (Part Two)
This is the second part of a two-part, 60-day plan. Part One covers E-60 through E-31, while Part Two covers E-30 through after Election Day. Part Two's PowerPoint files are available for download below:
As election officials throughout the United States prepare for the upcoming election, effective communications materials remain one of their biggest collective needs. In response to this, The Elections Group developed a 60-day communications plan template that offices and officials can use to begin to fill that need.
The plan includes guidance and templates for social media, media advisories, press releases, and public service announcements (PSAs). Creating and posting consistent, accurate and informative content will help election officials build trust and establish themselves as the trusted source of information in.
The information and templates found in this document are meant to serve as draft guidance for any jurisdiction-specific plan. Jurisdictions can tailor this plan in accordance with any local or state-specific laws, rules and regulations.
Get Help from The Elections Group
The Elections Group is providing tailored communications assistance to election officials free of charge or at low cost through its Communications Resource Desk. Available support includes guidance on writing effective press releases, working with the media, writing guest columns and developing a crisis communications plan. Templates for posters, handouts and social media graphics explaining the elections process are also available to download or request for customization.
Messaging Overview
The plan includes posting schedules and templates for the following:
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Public Service Announcements
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Social Media Posts
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Press Releases and Media Advisories
Documents are available as InDesign (.indd) and PowerPoint (.pptx) files – though only the PowerPoint (.pptx) files can be directly downloaded through this page. All image files can be downloaded using the link below – or as sets for each week provided in the plan. Request InDesign (.indd) files by clicking here.
Instructions on how to save PowerPoint (.pptx) slides as an image file are available here.
Important Note — Some jurisdictions may elect to utilize social media scheduling or management tools to schedule posts out in advance. All templates are able to be saved in a format that lends itself to these types of software programs.
Week 6
Social Media
❗📬 BALLOTS ARE IN THE MAIL 📬❗ Are you ready to cast your ballot? Check your State and County Voter Information Guide to see what will be on your ballot and for voting-related information. If you need to register to vote or want to request a vote-by-mail ballot, visit [WEBSITE] for more information.
🤩NOW OPEN: Ballot Drop Boxes in [JURISDICTION] 🤩
Ballot drop boxes are:
✉️ Secure
✉️ Convenient
✉️ Accessible
Find your closest ballot drop box by visiting [WEBSITE]
#DYK all voting equipment goes through Logic and Accuracy testing ahead of each election cycle? Join us for our public LAT at [TIME] on [DATE]. [LINK]
[ELECTION WORKER NAME] is a [TITLE] and has worked at the [ELECTIONS OFFICE] for [#] years. [ELECTION WORKER NAME]’s favorite part of the election process is when voters begin to receive their ballots and have an opportunity to make their voices heard. We are proud to have [ELECTION WORKER NAME] on our team!
Press Release/Media Advisory
Public Service Announcement
The ballots are coming! The ballots are coming!
The [ELECTIONS OFFICE] wants you to know that you will receive your ballot soon if you are registered to receive a vote-by-mail ballot. To check the status of your vote-by-mail ballot, visit [WEBSITE].
Not registered for a vote-by-mail ballot? Not to fear, you can still request a vote-by-mail ballot! To request a vote-by-mail ballot, visit [WEBSITE] or call [PHONE NUMBER].
Once you’ve finished casting your ballot, you have several options to return your vote-by-mail ballot: by regular mail, ballot drop box, or polling place. For polling place and ballot drop box locations and hours, visit [WEBSITE].
Voting is easy, secure, and accessible in [JURISDICTION] County. Please call the [ELECTIONS OFFICE] at [PHONE NUMBER] if you need any voting assistance.
Video Visuals
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Shot of ballots flying into residential mailboxes
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Shot of an election worker speaking to camera with a lanyard or official wear The [ELECTIONS OFFICE] wants you to know that you will receive your ballot soon if you are registered to receive a vote-by-mail ballot. To check the status of your vote-by-mail ballot, visit [WEBSITE].”
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Text underneath video: [WEBSITE]
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Shot of individual completing their ballot to the left with three shots to the right: USPS blue mailbox, ballot drop box, polling place
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Shot of smiling voter at the counter with election worker facing away from camera and adjacent text: Voting is easy, secure, and accessible in [JURISDICTION] County. Please call the [ELECTIONS OFFICE] at [PHONE NUMBER] if you need any voting assistance.
Week 7
Social Media
Are you planning to vote in person for the #election? It’s easy as 1, 2, 3!
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Bring an acceptable form of identification
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Check in at your polling place
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Vote!
Learn more about in-person voting at [WEBSITE]
🚩 Voter Registration Deadline is 10/24 🚩
If you haven’t registered to vote, there’s still one more week until the voter registration deadline for the #election
To register online, visit [WEBSITE]
📝 Don’t Wait, Register Today!
[ELECTION WORKER NAME] is a [TITLE] and has worked at the [ELECTIONS OFFICE] for [#] years. [ELECTION WORKER NAME]’s favorite part of the election process is when voters begin to receive their ballots and have an opportunity to make their voices heard. We are proud to have [ELECTION WORKER NAME] on our team!
Public Service Announcement
The ballots are coming! The ballots are coming!
The [ELECTIONS OFFICE] wants you to know that you will receive your ballot soon if you are registered to receive a vote-by-mail ballot. To check the status of your vote-by-mail ballot, visit [WEBSITE].
Not registered for a vote-by-mail ballot? Not to fear, you can still request a vote-by-mail ballot! To request a vote-by-mail ballot, visit [WEBSITE] or call [PHONE NUMBER].
Once you’ve finished casting your ballot, you have several options to return your vote-by-mail ballot: by regular mail, ballot drop box, or polling place. For polling place and ballot drop box locations and hours, visit [WEBSITE].
Video Visuals
- Shot of ballots flying into residential mailboxes
- Shot of election worker speaking to camera with a lanyard or official wear The [ELECTIONS OFFICE] wants you to know that you will receive your ballot soon if you are registered to receive a vote-by-mail ballot. To check the status of your vote-by-mail ballot, visit [WEBSITE].”
- Text underneath video: [WEBSITE]
- Shot of individual completing their ballot to the left with three shots to the right: USPS blue mailbox, ballot drop box, polling place
- Shot of smiling voter at the counter with election worker facing away from camera and adjacent text: Voting is easy, secure, and accessible in [JURISDICTION] County. Please call the [ELECTIONS OFFICE] at [PHONE NUMBER] if you need any voting assistance.
Week 8
Social Media
🚩TODAY IS THE VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE 🚩
Register online and mail your paper registration form today! Mailed forms must be postmarked by today [DATE]. To register online, visit [WEBSITE]
[POLL WORKER NAME] is a Poll Worker and will be assisting voters in the upcoming [Month] [XX], [XXXX] [Election Name] Election. [POLL WORKER NAME] is committed to serving as a Poll Worker to ensure voters can cast a ballot free of intimidation. We are proud to have [ELECTION WORKER NAME] on our team!
⏳The COUNTDOWN has begun: 1️⃣0️⃣ Days to Election Day on Tuesday, [Month] [Day]! Are you #VoteReady?
For Vote Center locations and hours, visit [WEBSITE]
9️⃣Days until Election Day! Are you #ElectionReady?
Vote Centers are now open for in-person voting – don’t wait, vote today! [LINK]
Press Release/Media Advisory
Public Service Announcement
Hi, my name is [CHIEF ELECTIONS OFFICIAL NAME] and I’m the [CHIEF ELECTIONS OFFICIAL TITLE] for [JURISDICTION] County. With only 2 weeks to Election Day, I’m encouraging voters to be #ElectionReady for the [Month] [day], [year] [Election Name] Election.
Voters in [JURISDICTION] County have several voting options and can avoid lines and delays by casting their ballot early.
Voters can request a vote-by-mail ballot; not registered for a vote-by-mail ballot? Not to fear, you can still request a vote-by-mail ballot! To request a vote-by-mail ballot, visit [WEBSITE] or call [PHONE NUMBER].
Once you’ve finished casting your ballot, you have several options to return your vote-by-mail ballot: by regular mail, ballot drop box, or polling place. For polling place and ballot drop box locations and hours, visit [WEBSITE].
Also, select Vote Centers will open for in-person voting in [JURISDICTION] County on [Month] [day]. All Vote Centers will open on [Month] [day]. For Vote Center locations and hours, visit [WEBSITE]
Voting is easy, secure, and accessible in [JURISDICTION] County. Don’t Delay, Vote Today!
Ideas for Video Visuals
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Shot of elections official speaking
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Shot of smiling voter at the counter with election worker facing away from camera and adjacent text: Voting is easy, secure, and accessible in [JURISDICTION] County. Please call the [ELECTIONS OFFICE] at [PHONE NUMBER] if you need any voting assistance
Week 9
Social Media
8️⃣Days until Election Day! Are you #ElectionReady?Select Vote Centers are open for in-person voting visit [WEBSITE] for details.
🎃Happy Halloween, Don’t be Spooked 🎃
Voting in the #election is as easy as 1, 2, 3!
1️⃣ Bring an acceptable form of identification
2️⃣ Check in at your polling place
3️⃣ Vote!
7️⃣ Days until Election Day! Are you #ElectionReady?
Find a vote center near you by visiting [WEBSITE]
Looking for your “I Voted” Sticker?
Visit a vote center to #vote in-person and get your sticker today!
Visit [WEBSITE] to find a location near you!
#ElectionDay is just 6️⃣Days away!
Are you #ElectionReady? Visit [WEBSITE] to find a drop-off location or vote center near you!
[POLL WORKER NAME] is a Poll Worker and will be assisting voters in the upcoming #election. [POLL WORKER NAME] enjoys volunteering as a poll worker so voters can see election workers who look like them and can help them in their preferred language. We are proud to have [ELECTION WORKER NAME] on our team!
#ElectionDay is 5️⃣ days away! We want to make sure you’re #ElectionReady! Visit [WEBSITE] to find #election information, vote center hours of operation, and more!
#TGIF
Planning your weekend? Be sure to pencil us in! 🗓️🗓️🗓️
All vote centers are open from 8-1 on [Month] [day]. Visit [WEBSITE] to find a location near you.
#ElectionDay is just 4️⃣ days out!
Make sure you’re #ElectionReady by visiting [WEBSITE] for the most up to date election information!
#ElectionDay is just 3️⃣days away! Make sure you’re #ElectionReady by heading over to our website for addt’l election information, vote center hours, drop box locations and more!
#ElectionDay is just 2️⃣days away! Make sure you’re #ElectionReady by heading over to our website for addt’l election information, vote center hours, drop box locations and more!
🍂Daylight Saving Time ends today🍂
⏰ Be sure to set your clocks back 1 hour and VOTE on or before #ElectionDay
💻Visit [WEBSITE] for more info!
Press Release/Media Advisory
Week 10
Social Media
#ElectionDay is just 1️⃣day away! Don’t wait, #vote today to avoid lines! Visit [WEBSITE] to find a location near you.
Happy #ElectionDay
The polls and drop boxes are open until 8:00PM tonight! Visit [WEBSITE] to find a vote center near you.
📚📚📚Another election for the books! The post-election canvass has now begun and election officials have 30 days to certify the election. For a first look at unofficial election results, visit [WEBSITE]
Ballots are still being processed and final results will be available after the election is certified.
In recognition of Veterans’ Day, the [ELECTIONS OFFICE] is honored to recognize all military service members who have committed to protecting and serving the United States. [ELECTION WORKER NAME] is a [TITLE] at our office and previously served in the [MILITARY BRANCH], and we are proud to have [ELECTION WORKER NAME] on our team.
🧾To ensure the accuracy of the election results, post-election audits for the [Election Name] have begun. The random selection of ballots has taken place and ballots are being pulled for manual counting next week. To learn more about these audits visit: [WEBSITE]
Press Releases/Media Advisory
Public Service Announcement
Hi, my name is [CHIEF ELECTIONS OFFICIAL NAME] and I’m the [CHIEF ELECTIONS OFFICIAL TITLE] for [JURISDICTION] County. Today, Tuesday, November 8th is Election Day and is the last opportunity for voters to cast a ballot in the upcoming election!
Voters in [JURISDICTION] County have several voting options and can avoid lines and delays by casting their ballot early.
If voters expecting a vote-by-mail ballot have not received theirs, they may request a replacement ballot in person until 8PM today.
Voters have several options to return their ballot: by regular mail, ballot drop box, polling place. Voters may drop off a ballot at any polling place or ballot drop box until 8PM.
All Vote Centers are now open for in-person voting in [JURISDICTION] County. All voters in line before 8PM will have an opportunity to cast a ballot. For Vote Center and ballot drop box locations, visit [WEBSITE]
For any questions, please call [PHONE NUMBER].
Video Visuals
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Shot of election official speaking directly to audience
Week 11
Social Media
👏👏THANK YOU, ELECTION HEROES 👏👏
The [ELECTIONS OFFICE] thanks all election workers and voters who made the election a success. We are proud to have you all on our team to defend democracy and ensure access to voting
🗣Unofficial Results have been UPDATED! Visit [WEBSITE] to see the latest unofficial election results.
Ballots are still being processed and final results will be available after the election is certified. Election officials have 30 days to certify the election.
Week 12
Social Media
In observance of Thanksgiving, our office will be closed on Thursday, November [day] and Friday, November [day]. Our office will reopen on Monday, November [day], [year].
Week 13
Social Media
🗣Unofficial Results have been UPDATED! Visit [WEBSITE] to see the latest unofficial election results.
Ballots are still being processed and final results will be available after the election is certified. Election officials have 30 days to certify the election.
Week 14
Social Media
🧾💯Post-election audits have been completed and confirmed the accuracy of the election results. To learn more about these audits, visit: [WEBSITE]
🗣The [Election Name] Election has been CERTIFIED! The [ELECTIONS OFFICE] met the 30-day deadline for election certification after completing all required post-election canvass activities.
To view the final official election results, visit [WEBSITE]
Press Release/Media Advisory
Get Help from The Elections Group
Have an idea for a communications tool your jurisdiction could use? The Elections Group is available to provide tailored assistance and guidance through its Communications Resource Desk. Contact us to request assistance.
