Journalists covering U.S. elections should consider the dangers they may face while on assignment and mitigate those risks. Check out CPJ’s 2024 US election safety kit.
Explore the journalist safety kit
The 2024 United States presidential election will take place on Tuesday, November 5, amid an increasingly polarized political climate. Coupled with a high level of distrust in the media, journalists are likely to face significant security challenges surrounding election day. The guide below is designed to help newsrooms and journalists think about and manage physical and digital risk when it comes to covering the U.S. election.
Safety resources
Pre-assignment planning
- Basic preparedness: Risk assessment
- Digital security: Risk assessment
Physical safety
- Physical and digital safety: Civil disorder
- Physical and Digital Safety: Arrest and detention
- Situational awareness
- Watch videos on Preparing for a demonstration, When demonstrations escalate, and Teargas
Legal rights
- Guide to legal rights in the U.S.
- Call the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press legal hotline at 1-800-336-4243 or send an email
Get help
CPJ’s safety experts conduct group safety workshops for newsrooms and one-on-one safety clinics for individual journalists, including freelancers. If you are a journalist or editor and would like to speak with someone about your safety concerns, please email us at [email protected].
Submit a press freedom incident in the United States to the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker by completing a form here.
Digital Safety
- Remove personal data from the internet
- Resources for protecting against online abuse
- Digital safety kit
- Online abuse safety checklist for editors
- Access Now’s digital security helpline
Psychological safety
- Covering violence in your community
- IWMF’s Mental health guide for journalists facing online violence
To access all of CPJ’s safety information, you can text CPJ’s automated chatbot on WhatsApp at +1 206 590 6191.
Special report
On Edge: What the US election could mean for journalists and global press freedom