The New York City Bar Task Force on the Rule of Law Presents Ensuring Fair Elections and Voter Participation: What Lawyers Can Do

There are growing concerns as to whether the 2026 election will be truly fair.  Challenges to election administration are coming from the highest levels of the federal government, and there are looming threats from private actors and even foreign governments. Election officials are facing harassment and intimidation, including potential criminal penalties, for simply doing their job. Unproven charges of widespread voter fraud continue to escalate. This tumult may discourage those eligible from voting, a sought-for objective by many who are ramping up these pressures.

Volunteers will clearly be needed to participate in, and monitor, these elections, and novel approaches may be needed to ensure fairness and participation. Lawyers and law students, given their experience and training, are particularly well suited to fulfill those roles. The New York City Bar Association is again conducting its election protection initiative enabling members of the bar and law students to learn where they can most effectively assist to enable free and fair elections. No prior election law experience is needed for these opportunities, which are found in New York City and throughout the country, including in those states where poll workers are being particularly challenged. Help is needed before, during and after the midterm elections.

Join us for this virtual event with leading election law experts. They will describe the nature of the threats to this year’s elections. In addition, they will discuss opportunities available to help protect the vote, and what will be involved in those activities.