POV: Election Readiness
Voters across the country will head to the polls on Tuesday, November 4 — with pivotal contests including the New Jersey gubernatorial race, the New York City mayoral election, and the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
While we all “hope” Election Day unfolds peacefully, hope is not a strategy. For communicators, this is a critical moment to review plans, steady your teams, and help your organization stay informed, prepared, and calm.
Crisis+ Strategies has prepared a checklist to help you anticipate communications needs:
Encourage civic participation—without partisanship
Plan a message encouraging employees to vote and participate in the democratic process, but ensure your tone and content remain entirely neutral. Share factual, official information about early voting and polling locations. Reinforce expectations for professionalism across internal channels.
Review and update your crisis communications plan
Make sure your election-related messaging is current and your team knows how to activate quickly. Confirm your escalation paths, pre-approved templates, and internal approval protocols are clear and accessible.
Test communication and safety protocols
Ensure your organization can deliver timely, accurate information if needed. Everyone with a role—from communications to security to facilities—should know the plan and how to execute it confidently.
Monitor reputation and stakeholder sentiment
Election narratives can shift quickly. Track how your organization or sector is being referenced and be ready with neutral, values-based holding statements if needed.
Support employee wellbeing
Recognize that election cycles can be emotionally charged. Encourage balance, empathy, and awareness of employee support resources.
Plan for the post-election moment
Once results are certified, issue a short, neutral message acknowledging the new administration. Emphasize stability, shared purpose, and the organization’s commitment to constructive collaboration.
Preparedness builds trust—and trust is the foundation that carries organizations through uncertain moments.
Stay factual. Stay steady. Stay human.