About the Task Force

The NASS Task Force on Emergency Preparedness for Elections was formed in January 2013 in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, which struck the East Coast just days before the November 2012 presidential election.  The task force's mission is to support state election officials in their efforts to effectively establish/enhance sound administrative election practices in preparation for, and response to, emergency conditions. The task force works with stakeholder organizations, including the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).


Disaster Assistance Contacts

If your state or jurisdiction is dealing with election administration contingencies or response challenges related to a manmade or natural disaster, you may wish to consult with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and/or your state office of emergency management.  You may also wish to reach the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, other chief state election officials, or state election directors for support.  NASS members may also contact the association at 202-625-3525, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for information and assistance.

Disaster Planning & State/Federal Law

• NASS Summary of State Emergency Response Statutes Pertaining to Elections (February 2013)
• House Administration Subcommitee on Elections Hearing on Election Contingency Plans (May 2008 - archived page)
• U.S. Election Assistance Commission Quick Start Guide: Contingency & Disaster Planning (October 2007)
• Postponing and Rescheduling of Elections to Federal Office - Congressional Research Service Report (October 2004)
• Executive Branch Power to Postpone Elections - Congressional Research Service Report (July 2004)
• State Election Laws: Overview of Statutes Regarding Emergency Election Postponement Within the State - Congressional Research Service Report (September 2004)
• The Scope of Congressional Authority in Election Administration - Congressional Research Service Report (March 2001)
  

State Legislation

• Alabama
  SB 11 (Absentee Voting When Governor Declares a State of Emergency)
  Status: Introduced
  Text; History
• California
  AB 214 (Development of Procedures for Voting in a State of Emergency)
  Status: Introduced
• Delaware
  HB 230 (Rescheduling Municipal Elections in Cases of Emergency)
  Status: enacted 2012
• Connecticut
  SB 942 (Development of Emergency Contingency Plans for Elections)
  Status: enacted 2011
• Oklahoma
  SB 745 (Development of Contingency Plans for Election Emergency)
  Status: passed Senate committee
• Maryland
  HB 224 (Expansion of Electronic Absentee Balloting Methods)
  SB 279 (Expansion of Electronic Absentee Balloting Methods)
• South Dakota
  SB 130 (Secretary of State Authority to Conduct Elections for Local Jurisdictions in Emergency)
  Status: enacted 2011

State Directives & Other Resources from the 2012 Election Cycle

• Alabama:  Secretary Chapman Extends Absentee Application Deadline for Military Voters Responding to Storm
• Connecticut:  Merrill Reminds Voters of Extended Voter Registration Deadline
• Maryland: 
  
  • Governor O'Malley Signs Executive Order Authorizing Certain Voters to Request Absentee Ballot by Mail, Fax, or Email 
  • Governor O'Malley Signs Executive Order Extending Deadline to Request Absentee Ballot to Wed., October 31st
  • Governor O'Malley Signs Executive Order Extending Early Voting Hours
  • Late Application for an Absentee Ballot
• Michigan:  Secretary of State - Absentee Voting Instructions for Volunteers Headed to Help Storm Victims
• Minnesota:  Emergency Workers and Volunteers Heading to East Coast to Assist with Hurricane Sandy Should Plan to Vote Before They Go, If Possible
• New Jersey: 
  • Directive Regarding Email Voting and Mail-in Ballots for Displaced Voters
  • Directive Expanding Ability of Displaced Voters to Vote
  • Directive Regarding Notice and Communication
  • Directives Easing Restrictions on Voters in the Aftermath of Hurricane Sandy
• Pennsylvania: Absentee Ballot Application Extended on County by County Basis
• Virginia:  Press Release on Storm Prep
  
• West Virginia:  Precincts In Storm Affected Counties Moved; Deployed National Guard May Vote Provisional Absentee
• Wisconsin:  November 6, 2012 General and Presidential Election: Election Security and Emergency Preparedness
• Congressional Research Service:  Hurricane Sandy and the 2012 Election: Fact Sheet

State Election Related Emergency Planning Materials

• Connecticut: Regulations Establishing Model Emergency Plan for Local Election Officials
• Florida: Elections Emergency Contingency Plan Rules; State and County Coordination Checklist Template
• Illinois: 2012 Election Day Contingency Plan
• Louisiana: Emergency Procedure Materials; Emergency Paper Ballots Administrative Rule
• Maryland: State Board of Elections Contingency Plan; Disaster Recovery Procedures
• Nebraska: Emergency Procedures for Localized and Short-term Emergencies at Polling Sites
• North Carolina: Emergency Plans and Materials for Elections
• New York: Hurricane Sandy Emergency Resources for Elections
• Oklahoma: Precinct Official Emergency Procedures
• Tennessee: Emergency Election Procedures
• Wisconsin: 2007 Report on Election Related Emergency Planning

News Coverage

• Washington Post (3/17/13): Local officials join election task force to prepare for the worst