Peer program for election officials
A trusted circle for the people who run our elections.
This pilot program brings together a small cohort of local election officials who connect to share ideas and think through the real challenges of the job together — candidly, off the record, and across jurisdictions.
What it is
Peer support from colleagues who understand the job
Election officials are on the frontlines of our democracy. In recent years, their work has become increasingly public, contested, and sometimes personal, with election officials facing unprecedented harassment and intimidation for doing their jobs. The existing systems of conferences, listservs, and trainings are not designed to provide a granular level of support.
Our peer program is not a training series, professional association, or advocacy campaign. It is a small circle of peers who meet in a setting built for candor to promote cross-jurisdictional learning and problem-solving.
The goal is simple: election officials have mutual support in challenging times and can candidly share ideas with colleagues who understand the job from the inside.
Who it’s for
Local election officials who want to share and learn
The pilot brings together county clerks, election directors, and other local election administrators from a range of jurisdictions, including rural and underserved communities. We pair participants based on their specific needs, so a newer official can learn from an experienced one, or a participant can find a peer across a state line or across the aisle. The cohort is small by design, so spots are limited.
Commitment
One monthly cohort meeting, plus one-on-ones with your pairing on your own schedule.
Cohort size
Twelve officials from twelve different jurisdictions, intentionally diverse in size, geography, and experience.
participating
Sharing your interest is welcome and carries no obligation. We reach out personally as we form the cohort.
How it works
Four ways the program works
Peer circle meetings
The full cohort meets virtually once a month to share ideas and challenges as a group. A facilitator can provide guidance as needed while participants discuss what’s working and what isn’t. This is a shared, mutual problem-solving space, not a webinar.
One-on-ones
We match you with a fellow official based on what you tell us you need, whether that’s learning from someone more experienced, comparing notes within your state, or gaining perspective from a very different jurisdiction. The conversations are yours, on your own terms.
Resources for you
When participants express needs, we’re here to support. Participants can ask for specific tabletop exercises at a peer circle meeting, referrals to experts, or other requests, and we’ll do our best to fulfill it.
Support when it’s urgent
When challenges arise suddenly, there's a way to reach peers who are there to provide trusted perspective and support.
what you’ll gain
Participants take away….
A space for peer learning on running free, fair, safe, and secure elections.
Trusted relationships with colleagues in other jurisdictions that you can call on after the pilot ends.
Greater confidence and readiness when crises, threats, or challenges arise.
Proven and practical tools, insights, and approaches tested by peers
our commitments
A space built on trust
A program like this only works if it’s genuinely safe. We talk openly with all participants about what to share and how before they commit. We protect what we can, but we can’t promise that participation is shielded from public records requests or legal process.
Off the record
We follow the Chatham House Rule: participants can use what they learn, but not reveal who said it. We never attribute or publish what you share, members pledge the same to each other, and we keep no recordings or transcripts.
Nonpartisan
This is not about parties, candidates, or policy positions. The program takes no public stances, and members commit to keeping the space nonpartisan.
Low footprint
The program runs on personal accounts and devices, not government systems, and we keep records to a minimum. It's structured to protect the safety of participants and their staff.
Your space
Our role is to host and facilitate, not set your agenda. Discussion and insights shared through this program are not legal advice.
interested in participating?
If our program sounds like something you need, reach out.
Tell us a little about your role, your jurisdiction, and your needs in the form below. Spaces in the pilot are limited and members are selected with care, so this isn’t a formal application, but the start of a private conversation, with no obligation either way.
Have questions first?
Contact us.
frequently asked questions
Learn more about our program
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No. There is no curriculum to complete and no certification. It’s a peer support circle. The value comes from the people participating in it and the ideas they share.
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We follow the Chatham House Rule: Never attribute or publish what participants share, keep no recordings or transcripts, and run the program on personal accounts rather than government systems. What we can’t promise is immunity from public records requests or legal process, so we’re here to help participants make informed choices about what to share. We walk you through all of it before you commit.
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No. The program takes no political positions and is open to officials regardless of how their role is structured. Nonpartisanship is a condition of program participation.
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It’s not a formal application, and reaching out doesn’t commit you to anything. The pilot cohort is intentionally small, so we can’t include everyone who’s interested, and we form the group thoughtfully for balance and fit. If the timing isn’t right, we’ll stay in touch about continuing the program.
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When you share your interest, we ask what you’re looking to gain from the program: to be mentored, to mentor, to connect within your state or beyond it. We match by hand and usually have a short conversation before finalizing anything. If a pairing isn’t the right fit, reach out and we can re-match or figure out a solution.
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Plan on about 2 hours per month across a 6-month pilot, which will account for one 60-minute meeting with the entire cohort per month, plus a monthly one-on-one with your pairing. It is up to participants to decide on length and frequency of their one-on-one meetings. We know your time is limited, and the program is designed to be valuable rather than another obligation.
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The program is free for participants.