Dear John,

If you’re like me, you’re feeling anxious about the U.S. election. In addition to the perils of the COVID-19 pandemic, we see emboldened shows of white supremacy, efforts at voter suppression, and even questions about whether election results will be accepted. This creates the threat of election-related violence. And as recent news reports with militia members and the discovery of a plot to kidnap and murder Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer have shown us, it’s a threat to be taken seriously.

Fortunately, there are practical steps we all can take to help protect the integrity of our elections and the safety of our communities. We are powerful when we stand together, and AFSC is here to support you in taking action!

Here are five things you can do:

1. Pledge to protect our democracy. [link removed]
People who have successfully countered election violence in other countries have testified to the power of having lots of people standing up for election integrity. Make your commitment to democracy known by pledging to vote, stand against voter suppression, nonviolently protest if election results are declared before all votes are counted or if a duly elected official is denied a peaceful transfer of power, and stand with others in your community against threats of violence.

2. Ask your public officials and community leaders to do the same. [link removed]
We need as many influential people as possible to publicly call for integrity in our elections—and the more diverse the array of voices joining in the call, the better. Our election integrity web page includes tips on convincing leaders in your community to join the effort.

3. Prepare and breathe: Bystander intervention and de-escalation training [link removed]
One way to help keep our communities safe is by having lots of people around the country showing up to the polls, protests, and other public places with skills in bystander intervention and de-escalation tactics. Join AFSC on Tuesday, October 27, from 7:30-9:30 p.m. ET for a training on proven techniques for countering violence, whether it comes from a single person or a group of people.

4. Protest nonviolently and safely—and support others in doing so, too. [link removed]
The right to peaceful protest is one of the cornerstones of a healthy democracy. Visit our protest resource page for safety tips, downloadable posters and graphics, bystander intervention dos and don’ts, and more. We want you to both be part of a large collective voice for peace, justice, and democracy AND be as safe as possible.

5. Make a gift to support AFSC. [link removed]
AFSC’s Compassion in Action Matching Gift Challenge is running now through November 19—which means your donation to AFSC today will be matched, dollar-for-dollar, up to $1,000,000. Your gift brings urgently needed resources to communities across the U.S. and around the world.

Election integrity is at the heart of any democracy—and it is up to all of us to protect it. Thank you for joining AFSC and people across the country in raising your voice at this important time.

In peace,

Laura Boyce
Associate General Secretary for U.S. Programs
American Friends Service Committee

American Friends Service Committee
1501 Cherry Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
United States
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