ISCC’s Election Protection Toolkit
There are many actions each of us can take to help to protect the 2026 midterm elections and encourage people to vote, whether you want to get out in the community or volunteer from home. Choose one or more actions from the list below – and encourage others to do so as well. Every action helps!
Check Voter Registration Status
Participate in “No Kings: Vote Early” October 17
The focus of No Kings: Vote Early is motivating people to cast their ballots before Election Day. That means that No Kings: Vote Early really starts on the day ballots are mailed to registered voters – October 5 in California – and continues through Election Day.
Join ISCC on Saturday, October 17, 10am-12pm, as we come together to get out the early vote and say it loud: NO THRONES. NO CROWNS. NO KINGS. We will rally on the County courthouse steps (701 Ocean St.), provide opportunities for all No Kings participants to sign up to defend this election, and then drop our ballots in the County’s secure ballot drop box in a joyful celebration of voting rights. After the rally, we will fire up our voter outreach by lining Ocean Street with signs, music, giant puppets, and artwork. Bring your completed ballot to drop off, and bring signs that encourage early voting, standing up for democracy, and voter participation.
Work as an Election Officer
Election officials are the everyday Americans who administer our elections, keeping our democracy safe and secure. Training for election officers in Santa Cruz County will be held September 28 to October 17 for the November General Election.
Register for Hands Off Our Vote
Indivisible National’s election defense project, Hands Off Our Vote, in intended to ensure all eligible voters get to cast their ballot, and that those ballots get counted. Register for Hands Off Our Vote to be kept in the loop about how to respond to attacks on our elections, get updates on any threats to your voting rights and learn how to counter them, and be ready to mobilize in defense of your vote. You’ll also be able to participate in rapid response moments
Write a Letter to the Editor or Op-Ed
Encourage readers to vote and highlight what is at stake if Democrats do not prevail in this election with your letter or op-ed published in a local newspaper.
ISCC’s Fundraising Working Group has created a simple and meaningful way to bring people together over a meal while raising funds to support organizations working to strengthen voter rights and elect progressive candidates in the 2026 midterm elections. Community members host a Dining for Democracy House Party for friends, family, neighbors, or colleagues, share dinner and contribute to an organization.
Host a Dining for Democracy House Party
Phone Bank with Indivisible to Get Out the Vote
No matter where you live, you can play a part in taking back the House and Senate. Having one-on-one conversations is still one of the most effective methods of engaging people who care about the fate of our country’s democracy – and providing them with up-to-date information on when, where, and how to cast their ballots.
Canvass with Swing Left Santa Cruz to Get Out the Vote
Connect with citizens face-to-face by participating in Swing Left Santa Cruz’s canvassing efforts and encourage people to vote for Democratic candidates, such as Randy Villegas in District 22/Fresno.
Join ISCC’s Election Protection - Rapid Response Team
The integrity of our elections is the foundation of our democracy. As we approach the 2026 midterms, we face a significant risk of attempted voter suppression, intimidation, and manipulation. This can happen not just on Election Day, but in the critical days and weeks after as votes are counted and certified.
ISCC is organizing a rapid response team that will mobilize immediately if election interference occurs. We are working in coordination with Indivisible National and other progressive organizations in the Bay Area and Central Coast.
Donate to a Voting-Rights Organization
ISCC has identified four organizations that are working to protect and get out the midterm vote, and we encourage anyone with the means to donate to one or more of them.
Participate in ISCC’s Visibility Events
Stand up to encourage people to register and vote early: Every Monday from 4:30-5:30pm and every Wednesday from 4:00-6:00pm, both at the corner of Ocean and Water Streets. Join Banners on the Bridge on the La Fonda Bridge every Thursday from 3:30-4:30pm
Write Postcards to Voters
Postcards to targeted voters – such as Democrats who don’t normally vote in midterm elections – can have a positive impact on election outcomes. Fill out a brief form and you will receive directions for picking up postcards, names, addresses and instructions on a porch in your area.
Find More Election Protection Opportunities with We Are Ground Control
We Are Ground Control has evaluated hundreds of organizations to find opportunities open to anyone, immediately impactful, and ready to accept your help. We are constantly scanning for meaningful calls to action to protect our elections. With these actions, we are confident your time will be well-spent.