Project HALO Code of Conduct & Nonpartisan Pledge

1. Purpose and Scope

Project HALO is a nonpartisan effort to promote voter enfranchisement, support civic celebration and engagement at and around polling places, and help ensure that every eligible vote is cast and counted as intended. This Code governs all volunteer activities, including but not limited to: event support, voter outreach, incident documentation, hotline reporting, and any public or media communication made in connection with this program.

2. Pledge of Impartiality

I will maintain strict political impartiality at all times. While on duty and in any communication connected to my role as a Project HALO volunteer, I will not:

• Elicit, convey, or advocate any partisan position on any candidate, party, or ballot question.

• Wear or display clothing, buttons, signs, or accessories expressing support for or opposition to any candidate, party, or ballot question.

• Make partisan political statements verbally, in writing, or on social media while acting in my capacity as a Project HALO volunteer or in any manner that can be interpreted as being on behalf of this program.

• Behave in any way that compromises the integrity of this program or the electoral process.

3. Noninterference with the Election Process

I will not obstruct or disrupt the election process in any way. I will respect the authority of election officials, poll workers, constables, and other lawful personnel. I will maintain a respectful and professional attitude toward electoral and other public authorities at all times.

I understand and will comply with my state’s law governing polling place conduct, including maintaining the legally required distance from polling place entrances and refraining from electioneering.

4. Confidentiality and Privacy

I will protect the confidentiality of sensitive information I may encounter in my role as a Project HALO volunteer. I will not distribute Personally Identifiable Information or any other confidential program information without authorization.

5. Media and Public Communications

I will not engage with media representatives or disclose information in any form to the media while acting as a Project HALO volunteer, or otherwise acting in a manner that can be interpreted as being on behalf of this program, without prior authorization from Project HALO leadership.

I will refrain from making personal comments, observations, or conclusions about events to the news media or the public before Project HALO leadership issues any statement, unless specifically instructed otherwise.

6. Professional Conduct

I will maintain proper personal behavior and respect all individuals I encounter, including voters, poll workers, election officials, law enforcement, media, and members of the public. I will exercise sound judgment in all personal interactions and observe the highest level of professional conduct at all times.

I will attend all required Project HALO briefings and trainings.

7. Consequences of Violations

I understand that any violation of this Code of Conduct and Nonpartisan Pledge may result in immediate termination of my volunteer status and removal from the field. I acknowledge that protecting the integrity of this program is as important as the work itself.

VOLUNTEER’S PLEDGE 

I have read and understand this Code of Conduct and Nonpartisan Pledge. I hereby pledge that I will follow it, and that all of my activities as a Project HALO volunteer will be conducted completely in accordance with it.