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Training: Election Scenario Test Deck

Wednesday, February 04, 2026

Overview

The EAC’s original Election Scenario Test Deck provides a variety of relatable scenarios that election officials can use to exercise their existing continuity of operations plans or other contingency plans. Now, two expansion packs, the Natural Disaster and Poll Worker Editions, are available to test preparedness for potential disasters and train poll workers on procedures to address common issues faced when serving voters. Election officials can use the cards to run a quick exercise at a team meeting, poll work training, or to comprehensively evaluate their office’s plans.

Don’t have a deck? Download the PDF scenario cards to start exercising your plans—Original Edition, Natural Disaster Edition, Poll Worker Edition.

Don’t have a plan? The EAC’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) Template is a great place to start.

Have an idea for a scenario the EAC should include in the future? Share your idea with us at [email protected].

Instructions

1. Drawing Cards:

  • Draw a card from the deck.
  • Each card contains a brief scenario that takes place at one or more locations. The location of each scenario is indicated by the location icons in the corner of each card.
Image
Listing of four Drawing Card Icons: "Online" (Icon with an image of a graphed globe and computer cursor), "Local Election Office" (Icon with an image of a government building), "State Election Office" (Icon with an image of a state building), "Voting Location" (Icon with an image of a hand inserting a ballot into a ballot box).

2. Conducting a Mini TTX:

  • Original Deck and Natural Disaster Edition:
    • Read the scenario aloud and consider how your existing COOP applies. As a starting point, you may want to answer the following questions:
      • What policies do you have in place to address this scenario?
      • Which actions or decisions need to be taken at this time?
      • What resources (staff and physical) would you need? Are there any resources that you need that are owned or controlled by someone else?
      • What information do decision-makers need, and where can they get that information?
      • How do you communicate the situation with staff, stakeholders, the public, and members of the media?
    • After answering several questions, debrief by thinking about your reaction to this scenario. Some questions that may help with debriefing include:
      • What did you learn?
      • Are there things you already do that were helpful in this scenario?
      • What can you add to your existing procedures to be more prepared?
      • Does this scenario bring up any long-term issues that need to be addressed?
         
  • Poll Worker Edition:
    • Read the scenario aloud and open up a discussion on how a poll worker should respond. Ask trainees to consider:
      • Whether they can find an answer or guidance in any manuals or checklists?
      • Who could they ask for assistance?
      • How might they need to document the issue and any steps taken to resolve it?
    • After allowing trainees to respond to how they’d address the issue, share any additional information, or review any processes that apply to the scenario to reinforce training.

3. Variations:

  • Extra Wild: The original deck includes two additional cards – a “Wild Card” and “Draw Two.” Consider adding additional wild cards or drawing multiple cards for an additional challenge.
  • Time Traveler: Change the scenario so that it’s taking place at a different point in time.
  • Make Your Own: Feel free to adapt these rules or scenarios as needed!