The Sumter County Democratic Party is launching a voter protection program ahead of this year’s midterm elections and is actively seeking volunteers to ensure every eligible ballot is counted.
According to party leaders, the most pressing need is for a volunteer to lead the oversight of the entire program. This lead organizer will coordinate with the directors of each specific segment to ensure the initiative runs smoothly through the August primary and the November general election, including during early voting and on Election Day.
The voter protection program is designed to ensure every eligible voter has the opportunity to cast a ballot and have it properly counted. The initiative includes several key elements:
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Voter education
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Poll watchers and observers
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A “boiler room” call center to field questions that arise during voting.
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Ballot curing, which helps voters correct technical mistakes on their mail-in ballots so they can be legally tabulated.
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Canvassing board observers
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Recount preparation
The party has already secured a leader for its ballot cures team, but is still asking for citizens to step up and volunteer as poll watchers and observers.
Sumter Democratic Party Chair Debbie Faris emphasized the historical importance of the upcoming races, noting that Democrats have flipped 30 seats across Florida over the past 18 months and are hoping to continue that momentum.
“This year the election will be critical for democracy,” Faris said. “Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy.”
Anyone interested in volunteering for the voter protection program is asked to contact Faris via email at [email protected].