July 5, 2022
Creating a Media Guide
A simple media guide is a helpful tool for election offices to make sure journalists and other newspeople have access to important information about elections.
Jurisdictions should plan to have media guides on their websites, where it is always available and can be easily updated.
Template for Creating a Media Guide
Suggested headers and sub-headers are included. Copy and paste into your jurisdiction’s website and then fill it out with the relevant information.
Contact Information
- Name
- Title
- Office Number
- Cell Phone
Important Dates and Deadlines
- Candidate Qualifying Deadline
- Vote-by-Mail/Absentee Ballot Request Deadline
- Vote-by-Mail/Absentee Ballot Return Deadline
- First Day of Early Voting
- Last Day of Early Voting
- Election Day
- Hours Polls Are Open
- Election Certification Deadline
- (Include information on early voting and Election Day sites that traditionally have the most voters. Make election workers aware of the possibility of media going to those sites, and be sure that the election workers are knowledgeable on procedures for interacting with the media).
Schedule of Events
Media Guidelines
- Before Election Day
- On Election Day/At Early Voting
- Permitted and Prohibited Activities
Exit Polling
Where Can I Get Results?
News/Press Releases
Vendor Information
Past Turnout Data
