I applied to be a Pollworker

[AmBlue]

I just wanted to take a moment to encourage all of you who are able to do the same. It's critically important that people of good character and integrity--and I know there's a lot of you here!‐‐ volunteer to help navigate our country through this upcoming existential election season.

The country you save may be your own!

[no_hypocrisy]

1. I'm a poll worker.

It's more than processing voters.

We have to set up and put away the voting machines very carefully, documenting everything.

We have to accommodate "challengers," that is, appointed individuals who may challenge certain voters for irregularities, such as they moved out of the district, etc.

We have to guide voters for provisional voting if there appears to be an error, e.g., their address, records show they've received a mailed ballot, etc.

We have to issue emergency paper ballots if the machines go down. (It happened the first 15 minutes of voting last Tuesday.)

We have to prevent voters from going into the polls with campaign literature which they may have received 100 feet outside the location of voting.

We have to periodically look to make sure that campaigns are in fact 100 feet away from the polling place.

We have to read out the results to the campaigns at the end of the night.

But it's also exciting to see the enthusiasm and the passion of the voters.

[AmBlue]

3. Thank you for serving!

I have also been a pollworker, though not recently due to family demands. I was head clerk in charge of a large precinct in my area. It's all of what you've listed and then some, not to mention a very long, 14-hour day of work. This time, however, I know in my bones it is more important than ever we help protect and maintain the sanctity of the voting and vote-counting process.

[LiberalFighter]

9. It is information everyone needs to know and understand.

In my state, each party appoints people for spots at the polling place. In most counties it is a Republican Inspector and a Judge and Clerk from both party. Additional workers if needed with equal representation across the county. Meaning shenanigans would be difficult.

[mopinko]

13. the hardest part of the '08 election was all the folks who hadnt voted in forever,

and thought they were still eligible. i had to talk a few people down who mostly did not understand how the system worked, but just had to vote for obama. including one sorta strung out lady who hadnt voted in 20 yrs, and had no id. that was a fun convo.

i'm too old for those long days now, but it's a great job. and i agree about the passion of the voters. i worked '04 and '08, and man. '08 there was a long line at the door when we opened, and it was just busy all day. there was no dinner rush. people were so eager to vote, they all got it done early in the day.
caveat that i live in a very, very blue place. obama got 90% in my precinct that day. i'm guessin it's less fun in magat world.

[Deminpenn]

2. Former pollworker

It's a long day, but a lot of fun.

It's a chance to meet the folks who live in your neighborhood, too.

[AmBlue]

4. Thank you for serving!!

I too was a "former" pollworker, until yesterday. Let's see what position I get picked for. Time to step up and volunteer again.

[ArizonaLib]

5. You inspired me

I am going to look into doing it. Somewhere I back a ways I had read about block captains.

Thanks for posting!

Too bad there is not a telethon on the DU to recruit poll working commitments, etc. Maybe there is and I missed it.

[AmBlue]

15. That's awesome!! Thank you!

It'll be a great experience. Let us know how it goes!

[MissMillie]

6. Thank you! (n/t)

.

[TreasonousBastard]

7. Been doig that for close to 20 years. Every time i do it I wonder...

why, since it's 5 am to maybe 10pm. Long day for 250 bucks or so.

And there's always some asshole who has to start an argument.

But you keep coming back...

[LiberalFighter]

10. In our county the pay is only 85

[lindalou65]

8. Thanks for being a Pollworker!

I just worked at the polls here in New Mexico for the Primary! A great experience and although Election Day is very long, I really feel good about it. I will work for the general election in November as well.

Thanks to all the Pollworkers out there!

[Joinfortmill]

11. Thank you

[paleotn]

12. Thanks!

[Mozeltov Cocktail]

14. Thank you