Election Security Spotlight — Exterior Office Safety

What It Is

Office safety extends far more than just the inside of a physical office. It also accounts for safety around the perimeter and exterior of an office building, counting facility, or warehouse.

Why It Matter

During busy election seasons, it is not uncommon for election officials to work long hours. Staying safe when leaving late at night is just as important as safety within your physical office building.

What You Can Do

Here are a few recommendations on how election officials can increase safety around the exterior of the office:

• Ensure the parking lot is well lit. It is vital that your office’s parking lot, walkways, entrances and exits, and area around the building have adequate lighting. Increasing the light can serve as a deterrent for intruders.
• Install cameras. Though an expense, having security cameras on entrances/exits and parking lot provides you with visibility into what’s going on outside.
• Maintain landscaping. Ensure any landscaping around your office building stays trimmed back. Landscaping should not block the view of a security camera or provide cover for an intruder to hide.
• Park smart. Park close to the door you use to enter and exit your election office. Ensure you park in a well-lit area. Lock your car and keep any valuables out of sight.
• Stay alert and aware. Practice situational awareness when walking from the building to your vehicle. Avoid distractions (such as your cell phone) and pay attention to your surroundings.
• Be ready. When you exit the office building, be prepared with your keys in hand. Lock the car as soon as you’re inside.
• Report maintenance issues. If you notice lights out around the parking lot or exterior of the building or that is a lock is malfunctioning, don’t ignore it. Report these issues to the proper authorities in your jurisdiction to have them remedied as soon as possible.
• Use the buddy system. Avoid working late by yourself. Instead, coordinate with your colleagues to do the same. Walk to your vehicles together when leaving.
• Share your schedule only with trusted people. Refrain from disclosing your specific work hours to strangers. However, ensure a trusted colleague, family member, or friend know when you are working late and when you’re on your way home.
• Notify building/facility security if you are working late. If you plan to work late, whether it be at your election office counting facility, or warehouse, be sure to alert building/facility security, if you have it. If not, notify local law enforcement and request increased patrolling in the area.
• Schedule a Physical Security Assessment with your local CISA Protective Security Advisor (PSA) or your local law enforcement agency. CISA offers Physical Security Assessments for government offices at no cost. Your PSA can recommend both no cost and low-cost ways to increase the safety of your office.

Resources

For more information on building exterior and perimeter security, please check out the Security Assessment Checklist created by the Committee for Safe and Secure Elections:

https://safeelections.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/CSSE-Checklists-V2.1.pdf

Please reach out to [email protected] if you have any questions.