Safety
The following information is to be read in conjunction with the advice provided to the booth captains and volunteers.
Advice for dealing with conflict at a polling booth
Your safety is paramount. Where possible do not engage with people voicing a strong opposition to the Yes campaign or your role as a campaign volunteer.
On Referendum day, our efforts are aimed at providing information and having persuasive conversations with genuinely undecided voters.
In the event someone attempts to aggressively challenge you or start an argument, we encourage you to consider the following:
- Adjust your body language by placing your hands by your side, palms out or moving your hands up at chest height with palms out.
- It is important to be neutral and non-threatening, try not to cross your arms or place your hands on your hips, as this may provide motivation for the person to continue arguing with you.
- Simply state, “You are entitled to your own opinion,” and leave it at that. It is not recommended to follow with “and so am I” as it gives the person something to respond to.
- Repeat if necessary. If you need to repeat the statement, it is recommended to shift your body position to neutral stance with hands up at chest height and palms facing out. If the person continues to argue in an aggressive manner, repeat process stepping backwards each time.
In the event that the person continues to argue and become aggressive. Have someone seek help, whilst you repeat these steps:
- Keep hands up at chest height, palms out and step backwards
- Respond with either “You are scaring me” or “I am not engaging in this
conversation any further”. Stick to one phrase and repeat where appropriate.
Both responses work well, especially in the event a bystander happens to film the encounter.
It is important to deescalate the situation, most importantly for your own safety and those around you, but also so that there is more time to have positive conversations with the community about the need for a yes vote.
Although it is tempting to engage with the no vote community and address all their inaccuracies, this only takes us away from discussions with people whose minds might be changed.
If you are on a booth and see someone become aggressive or argumentative in a threatening manner, depending on the situation you can seek help and support or stand next to the victim with neutral body language (as listed above).
Do not begin arguing with them or engaging, be a visual support, you can repeat “you are entitled to your opinion” if you need to.
Remember your safety is important and comes first.
If you require further assistance, you should immediately seek the support of the Federation Officer, an Electoral Commission employee, or in an emergency the police.