July 10, 2024
Election Communications Plan
Download the Resources:
As election officials throughout the United States prepare for upcoming election cycles, 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.
The information and templates found in this document are meant to serve as draft guidance for any jurisdiction-specific plan.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 available to provide tailored assistance and guidance through its Communications Resource Desk.
Table of Contents
Jump to:
Messaging Overview
The plan includes posting schedules and templates for the following:
- Public service announcements
- Social media posts
- Press releases and media advisories
Sample press releases are available for download as Word documents within each applicable week. Links to download PowerPoint files for social media images can be found in E-60, E-30 and Post-Election sections. Files are also available in the downloads box at the top of this resource.
Instructions on how to save PowerPoint (.pptx) slides as an image file are available here.
E-60 Through E-31
Download E-60 Through E-31 Image Templates (PPTX)
Week 1
Social Media
 |
 |
| Election Day is 60 days away! Ensure that you are #ElectionReady by visiting [WEBSITE] to make sure your [STATE] voter registration is up to date. | Today is Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance in honor of the individuals who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. |
Press Release/Media Advisory
[ELECTIONS OFFICE] Holds Voter Registration Event to Ensure [JURISDICTION] is #ElectionReady
Public Service Announcement
Hi, my name is [NAME], and I am the [TITLE] in [JURISDICTION NAME]. My office is working diligently to ensure that the upcoming general election is run with integrity, transparently, and securely, but we need your help.
You can take two steps today to prepare for a positive voting experience.
- Step 1: Register to vote. If you are already registered to vote, confirm that your voter registration record has your most updated address on file. This will ensure you receive the correct ballot at the correct address.
- Step 2: Make a voting plan. Voters may request a vote-by-mail ballot to vote from the convenience and safety of their home or vote in person. If you are planning to vote in person, you can avoid lines by taking advantage of early voting options.
To learn more, please visit [WEBSITE] for additional information. My team and I are here and ready to help you cast your ballot.
Video Visuals
- Video of chief elections official speaking to camera
- Shot of two family members help each other fill out a paper registration form
- Shot of a family member with checklist, confirming they registered to vote and made a voting plan
Week 2
Social Media
 |
 |
| Poll Workers Protect Democracy Missed #HelpAmericaVote Day? You’re in luck–the [ELECTIONS OFFICE] is still recruiting [poll workers/election judges/volunteers] to serve. Learn more or to apply at [WEBSITE]. |
Attention active military service members and U.S. citizens living abroad! It’s time to check your voter registration ahead of Election Day. Don’t wait, visit [WEBSITE] today! |
 |
|
| [ELECTION WORKER NAME] is a [TITLE] and has worked at the [ELECTIONS OFFICE] for [#] years. [ELECTION WORKER NAME] enjoys helping voters because it means helping neighbors and friends make sure their voices are heard. We are proud to have [ELECTION WORKER NAME] on our team! |
Press Release/Media Advisory
Military and Overseas Voters: Register and Make a Plan to Vote Today!
Week 3
Social Media
 |
 |
| Happy National Voter Registration Day! Did you know there are [NUMBER] registered voters in [COUNTY NAME] County? Make sure you’re on the list! To register to vote or check your voter registration, visit [WEBSITE] #NationalVoterRegistrationDay #ElectionReady |
[ELECTION WORKER NAME] is a [TITLE] and has worked at the [ELECTIONS OFFICE] for [#] years. [ELECTION WORKER NAME] takes pride in supporting the behind-the-scenes work to ensure voters have a positive voting experience. We are proud to have [ELECTION WORKER NAME] on our team. |
 |
|
| Did you know ballots are sent to military and overseas voters 45 days before Election Day? Are you an overseas voter and wondering if you’re getting a ballot? Call our office at [phone number] or send us an email at [email address] for additional information. |
Press Release/Media Advisory
Public Service Announcement
Happy National Voter Registration Day! Did you know that there are [NUMBER] registered voters in [JURISDICTION] County?
If you are an eligible voter who plans on voting in the [Month] [day], [year] [Election Name] Election but have not registered yet, don’t delay!
You are an eligible voter if you meet the following requirements:
- U.S. citizen and resident of [JURISDICTION]
- [list requirements here]
Registering to vote is now easier than ever! You can register to vote online, by mail, or in person. For further assistance, please visit [WEBSITE] or call [NUMBER] for additional information. The [ELECTIONS OFFICE] is here and ready to help you register to vote and make your voice heard in the upcoming election.
Video Visuals
- Shot of family helping each other register to vote
- Screen showing list of voter eligibility requirements
- Shot of an individual completing online voter registration
- Close up shot of voter registration completed webpage
- Screen showing website and phone number for voters needing additional assistance
Week 4
Social Media
 |
 |
| Mail alert! State and county voter information guides are being mailed out! These guides provide nonpartisan election information and voting options. Guides are also available online at [WEBSITE]. |
Election heroes needed! The [ELECTIONS OFFICE] is currently recruiting poll workers. Make a difference in your community and protect democracy by helping voters cast their ballots! Learn more and apply at [WEBSITE]. |
Press Release/Media Advisory
Week 5
Social Media
 |
 |
| The voter registration deadline for the [YEAR] [Election Name] Election is [DATE]. Already registered? Make sure your voter registration is up-to-date at [WEBSITE]. |
[ELECTION WORKER NAME] is a [TITLE] and has worked at the [ELECTIONS OFFICE] for [#] years. [ELECTION WORKER NAME]’s passion for helping voters understand how easy and secure it is to vote and why voting matters. We are proud to have [ELECTION WORKER NAME] on our team! |
 |
|
| Voting season is almost here! Did you know voters have several voting options in [JURISDICTION] County? Vote-by-mail: return it by mail or at a ballot drop box Early voting: [dates] Polling place on Election Day: [Month], [day] Visit [WEBSITE] to learn more about your voting options. |
Public Service Announcement
Looking for a way to serve the community? Poll workers are needed for the upcoming election! We need volunteers to set up and prepare the polling location, welcome voters, verify voter registrations, and more! Poll workers also help ensure voters understand the voting process by demonstrating how to use voting equipment and explaining voting procedures.
Poll workers are dedicated volunteers who care about helping voters cast a ballot to serve as poll workers in the upcoming election.
Sign up to serve by visiting [WEBSITE]. For any questions, please call [NUMBER].
Thank you to all past, current, and future poll workers for your dedication and commitment to service!
Video Visuals
- Shot of poll worker at poll worker training setting up equipment
- Shot of poll worker helping a voter check in at a polling place
- Shot of a larger scene inside a polling place with voters checking in, casting a ballot, etc.
- You can sign up to volunteer online at [WEBSITE]. For any questions, please call [NUMBER]
E-30 Through Election Day
Download E-30 Through Election Day Image Templates (PPTX)
Week 6
Social Media
 |
 |
| Ballots are in the mail! Are you ready to cast your vote? 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 nearest drop box by visiting [WEBSITE]. |
 |
 |
| Did you know 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
[YEAR] [ELECTION NAME] Ballots have been Placed in the USPS Mail Stream
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
- Shot of ballots flying into residential mailboxes
- 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].”
- 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 7
Social Media
 |
 |
| Are you planning to vote in person for the #election? It’s easy as 1, 2, 3! Bring an acceptable form of identification. Check in at your polling place. Vote! Learn more about in-person voting at [WEBSITE]. |
The voter registration deadline is [DATE]! If you haven’t registered to vote, there’s still one more week until the 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: 1️0 Days to Election Day on Tuesday, [Month] [Day]! Are you #ElectionReady? For Vote Center locations and hours, visit [WEBSITE] |
9 Days 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
Two Weeks to Election Day: Are You #ElectionReady in [JURISDICTION] County?
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!
Video Visuals
- Shot of elections official speaking
- 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
 |
 |
 |
| 8 Days 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! 1. Bring an acceptable form of identification 2. Check in at your polling place 3️. Vote! |
7 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 6 Days 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 5 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 4️ days out! Make sure you’re #ElectionReady by visiting [WEBSITE] for the most up to date election information. |
 |
 |
 |
| #ElectionDay is just 3 days away! Make sure you’re #ElectionReady by heading over to our website for additional election information, vote center hours, drop box locations and more. | #ElectionDay is 2 days away! Head to our website for additional 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
All Vote Centers are Now Open in [JURISDICTION] County: Are You #ElectionReady?
Week 10
Social Media
 |
 |
 |
| #ElectionDay is just 1 day 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 7 p.m. 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 Release/Media Advisory
Last Chance to Vote: Today is Election Day
Polls Close at [TIME] p.m., Vote Early to Avoid Lines
Public Service Announcement
Hi, my name is [CHIEF ELECTIONS OFFICIAL NAME] and I’m the [CHIEF ELECTIONS OFFICIAL TITLE] for [JURISDICTION] County. Today, Tuesday, [Date] 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 [Time] p.m. 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 [Time] p.m..
All Vote Centers are now open for in-person voting in [JURISDICTION] County. All voters in line before [Time] p.m. 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
- Shot of election official speaking directly to audience
Post-Election
Download Post-Election Image Templates (PPTX)
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
[ELECTIONS OFFICE] Certifies [DATE] [YEAR] [ELECTION NAME] Election Results
