In Chandler, Arizona, election volunteers gathered in a local church gymnasium last week to prepare for potential challenges at polling sites ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. Medina Moore, a voting rights organizer with the Arizona Faith Network, instructed a small group of volunteers on how to respond if federal agents appear at polling locations. She emphasized calling a dedicated legal hotline, documenting any incidents by video, and removing themselves from escalating situations when necessary.
Moore’s session was one of several in the Phoenix area aimed at training approximately 200 local volunteers drawn from faith-based communities. These volunteers, often referred to as “peacekeepers,” will be stationed at voting sites to welcome voters, provide information, and monitor for potential issues on Election Day.
“It feels very urgent this year,” Moore said, citing an environment saturated with conflicting information and the importance of educating voters on verifying facts.
Similar grassroots efforts are underway nationwide. Across the country, nonpartisan groups have mobilized thousands of citizens to fortify election integrity amid concerns over interference and disruptions. This includes law students staffing legal hotlines, veterans organizing voter outreach events, and business leaders pledging support for local election administrators.
Legal teams preparing to defend against efforts from the Trump administration to challenge election results are collaborating with election officials who are training for worst-case scenarios. Meanwhile, ordinary Americans are stepping up to serve as election monitors and legal observers, seeking to uphold the voting process from the ground level.
Nationwide, more than 21,000 people have undergone training to serve as poll monitors and election defenders ahead of the midterms. These coordinated efforts reflect widespread dedication across communities to safeguard voter access and the integrity of the electoral process amid unprecedented political tensions.