Preparing for Elections During a Pandemic

COVID-19 Pandemic: Insights from RAND

RAND research and expertise can inform immediate policy responses to address the disastrous effects of COVID-19—and help aid in recovery long after the disease stops spreading.

Are States Ready for a COVID-19 Election?

Is there automatic voter registration? Can citizens vote by mail without an excuse? Are there options to cast ballots early? Answering questions such as these can help determine how prepared states are to conduct elections safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Voting in a Pandemic: What Americans Think About Safety, Election Integrity, and Preparedness

As states prepare to conduct elections during the COVID-19 crisis, what are voters' perceptions about safety, election integrity, and the readiness of local officials? And how might these perceptions affect voter turnout in November?

Jennifer Kavanagh, C. Ben Gibson, et al.

Options for Ensuring Safe Elections Amid COVID-19

The pandemic poses a serious threat to state election plans in 2020. There is still time for states to make policy changes, but those changes come with potential risks to public safety, and to election integrity, access, and logistics.

Quentin E. Hodgson @QHodgson, Jennifer Kavanagh, et al.

Keep Voters Healthy. Keep Elections Secure. Can the U.S. Do Both?

U.S. adversaries have stepped up cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns. The United States should expect these foes to take advantage of the logistical challenges of voting in a COVID-19 world to redouble their efforts against elections.

Quentin E. Hodgson @QHodgson, Jennifer Kavanagh