I'm an election worker tomorrow - What should I know?

[ThoughtCriminal]

OK - worked at the polls for the primary and had a few hours of training, but this is the first time I've done this for a general election. We're expecting 80-90% turnout and long lines. I've got food, water, snacks, layered clothing and a flashlight. Any other tips?

[SmokingJacket]

1. Hand sanitizer.

I almost always catch cold after working the election.

Oh yeah -- bring a spare sweatshirt for voters to borrow to cover up their Obama tee shirts! ;)

[ThoughtCriminal]

6. I thought about the extra jacket

since my state (AZ) does not allow visible campaign-wear inside of 75 ft from the poll.
But remember I have to be neutral and I can't bring enough cover-wear for everybody, so the voter will have to take care of that themselves.

[aquart]

2. Add more food, bags of candy.

You want stuff you can share.

[amdezurik]

3. just a suggestion, since I have to work and can't help the way you are, but bring from home a couple

but bring from home a couple of folding chairs for elderly folks who will get tired standing? recruit some of the young people to help the older folks be comfortable. But hey, you are able to get out there and do what i can't get off work for :)

[Robbien]

4. In prior elections a good book would come in handy

I don't think you would have that problem this time.

Many times bathrooms at polling station run out of toilet paper, tuck a little extra tissue in your bag perhaps.

[ThoughtCriminal]

7. Good call on the TP

I do keep an extra roll in my vehicle.

I don't think there will be any reading time. Even at the primary I found that getting to know my fellow poll workers filled the time between voters.

[BeFree]

5. Yeah

Republicans vote on Wednesday.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Seriously, what I'd like to know is what the biggest hold-up to getting people thru the process in short order. I can only imagine that some poll workers will do everything they can to slow things down, so keep an eye out for that while knowing who to report to when you encounter sandbagger republicans working there with you.

And thanks for your time spent.

[SmokingJacket]

8. What slows us down more than anything is people at the wrong polling place.

We have to flip through the books looking for them, then get their address, then call the board of elections, then give them directions to their correct place. And since there aren't usually extra poll workers to step out and do all this, it slows the line down.

So, people: Make sure you're in the right place, and early enough so that you don't get caught unable to get to the right place to vote.

Also, provisional ballots take up a lot of time. But this is unavoidable -- shit happens and people's info doesn't tranfer.

Another thing is unfamiliarity with the ballot. People get into the booth and are like, What the hell? How do I do this? Where's the president? A little study of the ballot ahead of time will speed things along.

[BeFree]

11. I take it

The management could severely slow things down by not keeping people informed and aware of the potential problems?

That a little money spent ahead of time would save a lot of hassle on election day?

I've been voting for years and the only time I had to wait more than 10 minutes was because of the use of DREs.

[SmokingJacket]

12. I agree the DREs are slow.

Unbelievably, in my district in NY state we still have lever machines, which never screw up and are very simple and easy to use.

One way money could be spent is if the local paper printed the ballot and a voting district map, but they are now chain-owned and don't do this. :(

[LibertyLover]

9. How to reload the tranquilizer gun quickly

for the Republicans who may suddenly go rogue on you.

[sellitman]

10. I'll be doing the same thing!

I signed up for 6am to 8pm shift.

Argggggggg!

[Toucano]

13. Double check your alarm clock

Pay special attention to that AM-PM setting.

It has foiled a big day for me on more than one occassion!

:)

[gkhouston]

14. A couple of cheap pens, in case the county fails to provide or they run dry.

I'm talking about the ones voters use to sign their names. A lot of times, red is the preferred color, but if those pens run out of ink, I would think any pen would be better than none. Also, a pad of paper and some Scotch tape for making an impromptu sign might come in handy.