Tabletop Exericse ensures Election Day readiness; 2020 was a learning experience

Murphy’s Law states that “anything that can go wrong will go wrong.” While Murphy’s Law is often used in jest, Wayne County Board of Elections (BOE) employees take the adage seriously and prepare for scenarios ranging from power outages, protests, false narratives and adverse weather.

The importance of thorough planning and simulation cannot be overstated. Tabletop Exercises (TTX) provide a structured solution to catastrophic scenarios by fostering collaboration and enhancing communication among all parties involved. Participants can identify gaps in plans by walking through scenarios in low-stakes setting, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and developing effective response strategies.

About 20 stakeholders from law enforcement, the Emergency Management Agency, information technology, communications and others met recently to clarify roles and responsibilities, and develop effective response strategies to situations that could interrupt Election Day proceedings.

According to BOE Director Julie Leathers Stahl, 2020 was a perfect example of why TTXs are valuable.

Election challenges during year of COVID

“COVID was challenging,” Stahl said. “All of the things we had to source from others and build ourselves to have voting was immense. It was almost like everything we discussed today at the exercise happened.”

The stakes were high for the BOE in 2020; new directives were arriving daily, and it was paramount to determine how to follow them while maintaining procedural integrity.

“We had sickness, bad weather and staffing problems,” Stahl said. “It was all there, everything. We got a directive that a Dropbox had to be installed. Within three days, it was installed, and security cameras and signage soon followed.”

Being prepared for the unexpected can be ward off chaos

Many possibilities can unfold Election Day, ranging from the routine to the extraordinary, and preparedness can mean the difference between a smoothly executed election and one fraught with chaos. Each member of the TTX contributes unique insights that reflect the multifaceted nature of election operations, potential challenges, and mitigation ideas.

Another key to a successful TTX is creating scenarios that mirror real-world challenges. This allows team members to think critically and respond effectively under pressure.

Once the TTX is complete, the work of actionable recommendations and follow-up training begins. Continuous improvement is not just a goal; it’s a necessity.

According to Stahl, TTXs give staff the knowledge and confidence to ensure every election is conducted smoothly and fairly.

Dan Starcher is the Public Communications coordinator for Wayne County.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Tabletop Exericse ensures Election Day readiness; 2020 was a learning experience