Purpose

Purpose

Volunteers help Ballotscope understand local voting landscapes, elevate representation, reduce voter suppression, and support voter registration and engagement. Work includes outreach, public-source research, content distribution, and community coordination.

Scope

This policy applies to all Ballotscope volunteers, including State Leads and Campus Ambassadors. It covers eligibility, roles, conduct, privacy, brand use, safety, and removal.

Eligibility and status

  • Volunteers must be 18 or older at onboarding.
  • Volunteers are not employees, contractors, or agents of Ballotscope.
  • Participation is at-will and may be ended by Ballotscope at any time.

Roles and expectations

Ballotscope defines roles to focus work and accountability.

Regular Volunteer

Supports outreach, distributes official content, offers local context, and shares feedback from the community. May suggest state-specific customizations to UX and content. Does not handle internal data.

Campus Ambassador

Leads campus outreach and events. Coordinates with local groups and student organizations. Uses only official materials. Does not handle internal data.

State Lead

Organizes volunteers in a state, sets priorities, enforces training, escalates incidents, and coordinates distribution of official materials. Undergoes a background check. Additional terms apply in the State Lead Addendum.

Community Researcher

Staff or contractor role, not a volunteer. Gathers information from public sources and prepares summaries for internal teams. Does not access or store Ballotscope user data.

Ballotscope may adjust role scope as needed.

Representation and speech

  • Volunteers do not speak on behalf of Ballotscope.
  • Media and press requests go to press@ballotscope.com.
  • Volunteers may share official links and materials. Do not make promises, claims, or endorsements in Ballotscope’s name.

Nonpartisan posture

  • Ballotscope does not endorse candidates or parties.
  • Personal political activity is allowed on personal time without Ballotscope branding or resources.

Work product and intellectual property

All materials created for Ballotscope are owned by Ballotscope.

Examples include public-source research notes, graphics, copy, and field materials prepared for Ballotscope use.

Personal data and privacy

  • Volunteers do not handle Ballotscope user personal data.
  • Volunteers do not store or maintain platform data.
  • During canvassing, do not collect IDs, photos of IDs, full addresses, or other sensitive data.
  • If a member of the public offers information, direct them to the Ballotscope website or official voter-registration systems. Do not retain copies.
  • Report privacy or security concerns to security@ballotscope.com.

Voter registration assistance

  • Follow state and local rules for voter-registration assistance.
  • Training is required before assisting the public, including any state certifications that apply.
  • Use official registration workflows and government systems.
  • Do not promise outcomes or provide legal advice.

Brand and materials

  • Use only official brand assets and templates; do not alter the logo.
  • Do not imply Ballotscope endorsement of any candidate, party, or ballot measure.

Brand guide PDF

Communications

  • Use approved Ballotscope channels for volunteer communications and files.
  • Do not create unofficial channels or move internal materials to personal systems.
  • If a device with access to Ballotscope materials is lost or compromised, notify security@ballotscope.com.

Money and purchases

  • Volunteers do not handle money, collect donations, or make purchases for Ballotscope.
  • State Leads manage logistics through Ballotscope’s internal process. No cash handling.

Conflicts of interest

  • Disclose employment or paid roles with campaigns, PACs, or vendors that may intersect with Ballotscope.
  • Do not use internal information for external advantage.

Safety at events

  • Follow venue rules and local laws.
  • Do not coordinate meetups with minors or communicate privately with minors.
  • If a situation becomes unsafe, disengage and notify a coordinator.

Removal

  • Violations of this policy or the Terms of Service may result in removal from the program.
  • Ballotscope may remove a volunteer to protect users, partners, or the public.

Acknowledgment

Volunteers confirm they have read and agree to this policy and the Ballotscope Terms of Service before starting.

Contacts