When Something Happens
National Voter Information Messaging Toolkit for the 2026 Election
A bomb threat is called into a polling place, forcing an evacuation on Election Day.
A rumor circulates on social media suggesting that mail-in ballots will not be counted, creating voter confusion and doubt.
Agents arrive at an early voting site, disrupting voter access.
Incidents like these are becoming more common, and they make it harder for voters to know how to cast their ballots or trust that their votes will be counted.
Incident response planning is an essential part of election administration. In the moments after something happens, election officials' top priority is to communicate clear, calm, and accurate information to voters.
The Center for Civic Design is here to help.
Drawing on our expertise in design communications, this toolkit provides customizable social media templates that election officials can use to communicate clear, calm, and accurate information to voters in the moments after an incident occurs. The toolkit covers:
How to help voters find an alternative way to vote
How to address rumors and misinformation
How to respond to a threat or disruption to voting
How to keep voters informed when election results are delayed
Toolkit resources will be available in late summer 2026. Subscribe to our newsletter for updates.
About The Project
When Something Happens is a project of the Center for Civic Design. The project aims to help ensure voters have clear and accurate information if they encounter challenges while voting in the 2026 elections. The project will deliver resources that election officials can use to provide calm, clear, and nonpartisan messages to voters in the event an incident occurs that creates challenges for voters.
The Center for Civic Design is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that strives to make every interaction with government easy, effective, and pleasant.