Noncooperation to Defend Elections and Defeat Authoritarianism

**September 22nd, 6-8pm Election Protection (2hr in-person training)** Learning Goals: By the end of the training, participants will be able to: * Understand what authoritarianism is and how it is being practiced in the U.S. * Explain how to use the Pillars of Support to defeat authoritarianism * Identify four major strategies for election defense * Practice responding to potential election interference with the November elections This fall, we have an opportunity to train our communities to defend the voting process and the results of the 2026 elections. We know the threats - ICE at the polls, attempts to ban mail-in voting, voter roll purges, ID requirements, and more - and we know this administration has followed through on its word, so we know exactly what to prepare for. To win, we need a broad range of groups - civil society organizations, unions, advocacy groups, and election-focused groups, especially those who haven't worked together before - planning collectively to be ready. This training explores how to build toward noncooperation as a way of pushing back against authoritarianism and defending democratic elections. We'll dive deep into potential scenarios and wrestle with the strategic and tactical considerations that surface at both the local and national scale. Participants will leave with an understanding of noncooperation under rising authoritarianism, especially as it relates to election defense and clearer paths for moving people already engaged in voter registration, protection, and GOTV work toward election defense through noncooperation.