Oct 08
6
Poll Workers and Observers are needed for November 4!
You may have seen or heard reports of – or experienced yourself – less than perfect service at the polling place. While we spend massive resources getting voters to go to the polls, we want to make sure that when they get to the polls, they’re able to vote, they’re not discouraged by unnecessary delays, and their votes will count.
For this, we need well-motivated and trained Precinct Election Board Workers (aka poll workers), and Political Observers who understand the rules and procedures. Democrats are needed in most parts of the county, and bilingual Spanish and Tohono O’odham speakers are at a premium.
For more information on working the polls for the November 4, 2008 General Election please email azpollworker@cox.net. If you’re in Legislative Districts 18-22, or the part of LD 23 in Maricopa County you can email the GemDems EIC (Greater Eastern Maricopa Democrats Election Integrity Committee) directly at evpollworker@gmail.com.
All voters are encouraged to educate themselves on the election process and browse around the Maricopa County Elections Department (MCED) website: http://recorder.maricopa.gov/web/elections.aspx, especially the Election Board Worker Information page: http://recorder.maricopa.gov/elections/electboard.aspx, where there’s an Election Board Worker Training Video, and an online version of the Election Board Worker Training Manual.
Political Parties
Under Arizona law, recruiting Board Workers is the responsibility of the political parties, although in recent memory, that task has been left to county elections departments. The goal is to provide the 1142 polling places in Maricopa County with equal party representation – roughly half Rs and half Ds, with other parties and independents sprinkled in if they’re available.
In cooperation with the Maricopa County Elections Department (MCED), your Arizona and Maricopa County Democratic Party are recruiting Democratic Board Workers (aka poll workers) for the General Election on November 4. Although Board Workers are hired, trained and paid by MCED, they represent their party (if any) and the voters of the county. The Democratic Party will be offering additional training for our Board Workers and Observers.
Since Democratic candidates need the votes of non-Democrats, and in the interest of balanced party representation and good relations with MCED, we’re more than happy to help non-Dems connect with MCED. Email azpollworker@cox.net if we can be of assistance.
Political Observers
Political parties are entitled to appoint Political Observers to observe and report procedures inside the polling places, as well as anywhere ballots are transported or handled. While these positions are unpaid, it is possible to commit to less than the full 15-hour Board Worker shift. The state and county Democratic Parties are recruiting and training observers now. Political Observers are appointed by the County Chairs of the ballot-recognized political parties (Dem, Rep, Lib & Green). Non-Dems are encouraged to contact their respective parties.
Board Worker Recruiting and Hiring
Board Worker recruiting and hiring for the November 4 General Election has begun. Those who worked the September Primary and other previous elections are being called to see who’s coming back, and then remaining vacancies will be filled. If you’re interested in serving as a Board Worker, please email azpollworker@cox.net, and we’ll put you in touch with MCED recruiters.
They’ll try to put you in your home precinct, but if it’s fully staffed, there’ll probably be vacancies not too far away. Let us and them know if you’re willing to travel to help fill Democratic vacancies – if necessary.
Once you’re hired, you’ll be scheduled for a training class in mid-late October. Over the weekend before the election, you’ll be contacted by your Inspector (the boss of the polling place) to arrange the Setup Meeting (2 hours?). The Board Workers meet at the polling place to set it up – usually on Monday afternoon.
Requirements
Board Workers must be registered to vote in Maricopa County. No experience is necessary, and first-timers are welcome. Board Worker positions are paid and vary in responsibility. Total pay is $115 per election, with opportunities for advancement.
Workers must attend the training class and set-up meeting. On Election Day, the hours are from 5:30am till 8:30pm. The positions are paid and vary in responsibility. No experience is necessary, and first-timers are welcome. Workers must attend a training class and a set-up meeting before election day.
On election day, the hours are from 5:30am till 8:30pm or so. You must commit to staying for the whole shift – without leaving the polling place – so bring all the food and meds you need, or order out.
Bilingual Board Workers
Fluency in Spanish or Tohono O’odham are in high demand. This year, 636 precincts have enough Spanish and/or Tohono O’odham speaking voters to require the services of 848 bilingual workers (some polling sites require both). This requires attending a special training class, for which the Board Worker is paid.
Step-Up
Because of the ongoing shortage of Precinct Election Board Workers (aka poll workers), a state law was passed in 2006 that allows sixteen and seventeen-year-olds to work at the polls on Election Day. It’s called the Step-Up program, and it’s open to anyone who will be 16 by the General Election (Nov. 4).
Like all board workers, Step-Up students receive pay for attending the training class, the set-up meeting, and working Election Day. They must have parental approval and the high school must be notified of their intent. Schools are not penalized for the absence.
Monica is running the Step-Up program at Maricopa County Elections Department (MCED). For more information, call her at 602-506-7544. Please let us know what happens, so we’ll be able better able to advise the next person.
Voting Board Workers
If you’re not working in your home precinct, and you haven’t voted early, be sure to tell your Inspector and your Trouble Shooter (supervisor of several polling places) who will be stopping by) that you need a ballot. They’ll get you a mail-in ballot which you can deposit in the Early Ballot box where you’re working.
Learn the Procedures
There’s more information at the MCED website: http://recorder.maricopa.gov/elections/electboard.aspx, where you’ll find links to the online Board Worker manual and video. We highly recommend looking at the sections on voter ID at the polls (pp25-26), and the Provisional Ballot procedure (p30).
For example, if a voter’s name does not appear in the Signature Roster, they should find their residence on the precinct map to make sure they’re in the right polling place, and if not, they should be directed to the polling place assigned to their address. If they’re in the right place, they should vote provisional, and if they’re registered, their vote will count.
