Elections Preparedness: What Organizations Need to Know to Keep People and Assets Secure

With Election Day on the horizon, organizations must be proactive in preparing for potential unrest in major cities—especially those in swing states. Outside the Washington, DC area, cities like Atlanta, Detroit, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh are particularly vulnerable due to their political significance and histories of contentious elections. As heightened emotions and intense scrutiny can lead to disruptions, knowing when and where to act is key to safeguarding employees and assets.

Key Dates That Could Heighten Security Risks:

Nov. 5: Election Day, with ballot counting extending in the following days.

Dec. 17: Electors cast ballots in state capitals.

Jan. 6: Congress certifies electoral votes.

Jan. 20: Inauguration Day.

During these periods, authorities are likely to implement enhanced security operations. Following the criticism of delayed crowd control at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, law enforcement agencies are expected to take extra precautions. This may include road closures, barriers around government buildings, and large contingents of officers equipped for crowd management to ensure safety if demonstrations escalate.

How Organizations Should Prepare

Proactive measures can significantly reduce risks associated with election-related unrest. Here are key actions that organizations in these high-risk areas can take:

Develop Clear Triggers for Action: Establish what circumstances will activate your crisis management plan. Triggers may include claims of election fraud, delays in certification of results, conflicting elector slates, or calls from candidates or supporters to contest results.

Work-from-Home Policy: To limit exposure to potential demonstrations, organizations may want to encourage remote work arrangements on or around key dates.

Limit Employee Travel to High-Risk Areas: Consider restricting travel to swing states and Washington, DC, during this period.

Protect Physical Locations: If your organization has retail locations or offices in central business districts or near government buildings, securing these properties by boarding up entrances may prevent damage.

Review and Test Crisis Communication Plans: Ensure your crisis response plan is up to date. Running a mass communication exercise can help identify any gaps and prepare employees on how the organization will communicate during these times.

Open Communication Channels: Establish a direct line of communication for employees to voice questions or concerns regarding election safety and mitigation efforts. Providing timely responses can help reassure employees and enhance trust in organizational readiness.

To address the unique challenges faced by various sectors, GardaWorld’s experts offer the following advice:

For Financial Institutions and College Campuses:

"As Election Day approaches, it's critically important for financial institutions and college campuses to prioritize their emergency preparedness plans," says Steve Somers, Vice President of Strategic Alliances at GardaWorld. "These organizations should pull out and thoroughly review these plans to ensure they are up-to-date and effective. Engaging staff and security personnel in this process is essential; their insights can help identify potential gaps and reinforce the protocols necessary for a safe environment." Somers also highlights the importance of "establishing strong public-private partnerships with local law enforcement and community organizations to enhance response capabilities and ensure that assistance is readily available if challenges arise." By implementing clear communication strategies and designating safe areas, these institutions can create a safe and resilient environment that fosters confidence in the democratic process.

For the Energy Sector:

David Bradney, GardaWorld’s Regional Vice President, notes that "Preparing for Election Day and what might be around the corner can be daunting in the Energy sector. Often a change in administration results in new policies that may affect regulatory requirements, environmental considerations, manpower availability, and taxes." Bradney advises a "review and potential adjustment to the Threat Vulnerability Assessment, security posture, and safety protocols." He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a detailed inventory of compliance measures, adding, "Being ready demands proactive action—go vote!"

For Healthcare Organizations:

David LaRose, MSCJ, CHPA, CPP, U.S. National Director of Healthcare at GardaWorld, suggests that healthcare facilities can take "simple yet effective steps to stay prepared and ensure a safe environment for all." He recommends that these organizations "Review Security Measures to reinforce secure access points and ensure security personnel are briefed and ready, Support Healthcare Workers to maintain focus on safe, quality care, Plan for Continuity to address potential disruptions, and Communicate Proactively to keep everyone informed and aligned." By following these steps, healthcare organizations can reinforce their commitment to safety and community support on Election Day.

At GardaWorld, we’re committed to providing our clients with the strategies and resources they need to navigate potential disruptions during this election season. By preparing now, organizations can operate with confidence, knowing they are ready to protect their people and property when it matters most.

Learn more here: Election Preparedness | Garda Security