My first time working at the polls! help!

[puddycat]

Okay okay, its just setting up signs and passing out literature, not working inside, but I still feel I don't really know what I'm doing, LOL. Should I take a chair, sit down and wave the literature at passing throngs? Or is it better to stand up and approach people? I'm hoping there will be more experienced people there and I'll do what they do!

[NMDemDist2]

1. big smile, on your feet, polite, thank folks for coming to vote n/t

[Beaverhausen]

2. don't you have a local dem committee that can help?

I'm sure there are rules about what you can and can't do.

[puddycat]

4. yep. I've got rules about what not to do

I've got a bag of stuff. But it doesn't discuss the finer points of actually "being there" and "doing it" if you know what I mean. Things that you only learn from experience!

[TrustingDog]

3. mingle pleasantly, you are part of HISTORY.

[Robbien]

5. Treat all voters as if they were friends

Make sure they know who you think the right choice is. Bring coffee, tea, water, umbrellas for bad weather. Be nice and watch out for freeper-like activity from the other poll watchers. Report all suspect activity fast! But be nice as you can be to the voters.

That's all I got.

[aquanut]

6. Some people prefer to be left alone

Keep in mind that some folks might be on a tight schedule and probably do not want to be engaged in conversation.

But if someone approaches you then by all means, chat 'em up.

Above all, be polite.

[puddycat]

7. Thanks everybody! I just needed some encouragement! Thank you!

good suggestions! I'm new at all this, but I wanted * out so bad and Kerry IN the WH that I decided to do something. I've already walked around and put literature on doors and made signs etc., so it does feel really good to be even a little part of it!

[Orangepeel]

8. be visible, with a sign and/or t-shirt

smile at people and ask if they'd like some information about your candidate (alternatively, ask if you can give them some information about your candidate). Regardless of their answer say, "thanks for voting!"

Do bring a chair and some water. It is likely there will be some slow periods, so you might bring something to read.

You are likely to get some people yelling at you or telling you that you shouldn't be there. As long as you stay outside of the radius (it's 50 ft. in Florida), you'll be okay. Just smile, be polite, and don't engage.

Bring your cell phone with you, if you have one. It is very unlikely, but you might get some trouble from right wingers (don't worry -- very unlikely). But, also, people who have voting problems might come outside to you and ask for help. Have the number of the local Dem party or local Kerry campaign with you just in case that happens.

Good luck!

[CitySky]

9. get there early

and introduce yourself to the Precinct judge. Find out where the zone where you're not allowed to canvass begins, and stand right outside of it.

Be friendly. Pass out your literature.

During the lulls, go inside and recycle your literature from the trash bins. If they post a vote tally every hour, write it down. (This is to guard against funny business later.)

Have fun!

[puddycat]

10. Good hints! thanks again everyone for the benefit of your experience!