Is Your Facility A Polling Place?

Schools, community centers, churches, and other facilities are pulling double duty today as millions of Americans vote across the country. Major concerns of a facilities management nature include universal accessibility, maintenance of order in the voting room, and operations issues regarding voting machines.

While official rules vary from state to state, there are some general policies that are standard in most places, although distances vary:
• No electioneering or political signs (including pins, t-shirts, etc. on voters)
• No campaign literature
• No voter intimidation
• No photography or videotaping

With record turnout expected, facility professionals may be under extreme pressure to assure their buildings, parking lots, and other resources are up to the job. Custodial shift changes may be necessary, and additional staff may be called in to handle emergencies and keep facilities free from trash and other debris. Bureaucratic procedures may require additional accommodations, while rules and regulations make it more difficult to fulfill these needs.

How did you prepare for election day? Did you experience anything odd or unusual at your building? If your facility is serving as a polling place, we invite you to post your comments here and share your stories with other facility managers.