Election Law Forum Toolkit

Overview

The  Task Force for American Democracy (the “Task Force”) works to:

• Strengthen confidence in our elections and build support for election workers and officials.

• Educate the public about democracy and the rule of law, and why they matter to everyday American life.

• Encourage thoughtful discussion about how to improve and strengthen our democracy and our elections.

To advance these goals, the Task Force is convening Election Law Forums in several states where the outcome of recent elections has been questioned by some Americans. While formats may vary, most Forums will include:

• Opening remarks from Task Force members and local organizers.

• A keynote address from one or more state and local election officials.

• A panel discussion with local election officials to improve the public’s understanding of how elections are run and discussing why the 2026 elections can be trusted.

Forums may also include a second discussion topic tailored to local concerns, such as the importance of democracy to American life and improving civics education and civility in public discourse.  In some locations, Forum organizers are also using their Forum as an opportunity to form a “Next Steps Committee” of Forum participants that is charged with carrying on the work of building trust in our elections following the conclusion of the Forum.

Host an Election Law Forum in Your State or Community

Because the Task Force has limited capacity to host forums directly, this Toolkit is designed to help lawyers, bar associations, and civic leaders organize their own Election Law Forum.  The Toolkit provides both practical guidance on planning and hosting a Forum as well as information on how the Task Force may be able to support local organizers. 

Steps for Hosting an Election Law Forum

Step 1: Form a Host Committee

Begin by forming a Host Committee of volunteers willing to help plan and organize the event.

For the Forum to be credible and effective, the Host Committee should reflect diverse perspectives, including individuals from different:

• Regions of the state or community

• Professional and cultural backgrounds

• Political viewpoints (Republican, Democratic, Independent, Green Party, etc.)

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A Host Committees typically work best with 10–15 members, allowing for varied perspectives while remaining manageable.

Step 2: Identify Your Audience and Attendance Goal

The goal of an Election Law Forum is to engage individuals who can help build trust in elections and support democratic institutions in their communities.  Consider inviting leaders from across your community, including:

• Lawyers

• Business leaders

• Educators

• Veterans

• Faith leaders

• Community organizers

Based on previous Task Force events, a successful forum typically includes 75–300 participants.  Each Host Committee should decide whether to invite members of the press .

Step 3: Select a Venue

Once you have an attendance goal, identify an appropriate venue. Possible locations include bar association offices, law schools, public auditoriums and conference facilities.  Choose a location that comfortably accommodates your expected audience and program format.

Step 4: Develop the Agenda and Recruit Speakers

Your agenda should focus on issues related to elections, democracy, and the rule of law that are important to your community.  The Host Committee should determine the most appropriate topics and speakers while maintaining balance and a range of viewpoints.  You may also consider incorporating breakout discussions to allow participants to engage more directly with one another. If so:

• Arrange a moderator for each session.

• Prepare a discussion guide (a sample is included in the reference materials).

• Assign participants to groups in advance to encourage diverse perspectives.

If you are going to create a Next Steps team to carry on the work of building trust in our elections after the Forum, you should recruit the leaders of that effort prior to holding your Forum. That way you can announce those leaders at the Forum and encourage people to volunteer at the conclusion of the Forum.

Step 5: Invite Participants

Finalize your invitation list based on your target audience.  While email invitations can be effective, personal invitations often produce better results. When possible, ask someone who knows the invitee to extend the invitation directly.  Make a special effort to include young lawyers, law students, and participants from a variety of backgrounds and age groups.

Step 6: Step 6: Plan Logistics

Strong logistical planning is essential for a successful Forum.  Important preparations include:

• Meeting with moderators and panelists well in advance.

• Confirming the order of speakers and discussion topics.

• Ensuring that any needed technology is available at the venue.

• Ensuring that any handout materials for breakout sessions and the like are prepared in advance and available at the venue.

You should also prepare a registration list, name tags and signage, program materials and a detailed run of show (a sample is included in the reference materials).  The run of show serves as a roadmap for the event and helps ensure that all planned activities fit within the allotted time.  Consider also providing a participant feedback form (a sample is included in the reference materials) and an opportunity for informal networking after the program.  Finally, designate a project manager to oversee the event and serve as the primary contact for speakers and panelists.

Step 7:  Host the Forum

A few days before the event, send a reminder email to registered participants with key logistical information, such as directions and parking.  You may also wish to set up a green room where speakers can gather before the program begins.

Step 8: Follow Up

After the forum, consider reaching out to participants to:

• Thank them for attending

• Request feedback

• Gauge interest in future programs or follow-up discussions

  
  

This feedback can help inform future forums and strengthen community engagement.

Additional Support

Task Force staff may be available to consult with organizers during the planning process. They may also be able to assist with identifying and recruiting speakers or panelists and connecting you with local lawyer volunteers who can help organize the event.

Reference Materials

To assist you in hosting an Election Law Forum, the following resources are attached:

Attachment 1:  Sample invitation

Attachment 2:  Sample run of show

Attachment 3:  Sample breakout session discussion guide

Attachment 4:  Sample participant feedback form

Feedback to the Task Force

The Task Force would greatly appreciate hearing about your experience hosting an Election Law Forum. 

For More Information

For more information, please feel free to contact Info@democracy-taskforce.org at the Task Force for American Democracy.