ABSTRACT

On November 22, 2000, as ballots were being recounted in Miami-Dade and Broward counties in Florida, Republican Party operatives forcibly entered the elections offices, halting the ongoing manual recount. For most of us, voting is at once an institutional and individual activity. Being prepared matters: In 2016, the presidential election came down to a few communities in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. Voter assemblies are self-organized community spaces where people come together to discuss reports of fraud and voter suppression that threaten election integrity, and to take action when necessary to stop elections from being stolen. An accessible, public space such as a community center, publicly accessible government building, library, labor hall, or student union would be ideal. In warmer climates, accessible public spaces outside (parks, prominent plazas, or in front of civic buildings) may also be a good bet.