DFA members are working everyday to build a stronger more progressive Democratic Party. We believe the Democratic Party must be driven by people-power and responsive to the needs of everyday Americans.

Too often, once leaders from any party get elected, they get tied to a culture of incumbency and insular thinking that is dominated by special interests. DFA members fight for a culture of activism and rebuild policies and platforms for grassroots empowerment. It is our mission to constantly revitalize the party with new members, progressive ideas, and effective actions.

In 2005, DFA members elected our founder Howard Dean to the Chairmanship of the Democratic National Committee. With the 50 State Strategy, Governor Dean has successfully delivered on our campaign commitment to stand up for Democrats and our principles in every district in every state.

Our work hasn’t ended with electing a new chairman to head the party, DFA members have run for all levels of party office from precinct captains to county and statewide party chairs. We don’t just talk the talk. DFA members do the work it takes to make change happen. Join us in our mission to reform the Democratic Party.

- DFA Statement on Reforming the Democratic Party

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.

Elections offices will be open late.  You can register online at https://servicearizona.com/webapp/evoter/, or download a printable form with instructions at: http://recorder.maricopa.gov/pdf/english.pdf .  

ID to Register
Voters new to Arizona or Maricopa County must provide proof of citizenship (see form) to register.  We recommend that all voters apply for an Arizona Drivers License, or non-operator ID.  While other forms of proof are acceptable, the DL or ID number and issue date are sufficient proof, and the easiest to use.
Verify and/or Update Registration
The registration deadline applies if you’re not presently registered in Maricopa County, or if you want to change your party affiliation (not applicable for the General Election).
We recommend that all voters who think they’re already registered in Maricopa County verify their registration – particularly if they’ve moved – and if they’re not registered or in doubt, re-register. 

Go to the Maricopa County Elections Dept. website: http://recorder.maricopa.gov/web/elections.aspx.  On the right side of that page are buttons that link to pages where you can verify your registration (“Am I Registered to Vote?”), update your registration, order an Early (Vote By Mail) Ballot, locate your polling place, learn about ID requirements, and after the election, check on the status of your provisional ballot if you had to vote provisionally (see below).

We recommend that all voters verify that their registration is for their current residence address AND also shows their mailing address – if different than residence address.  This way, both addresses will appear in the Signature Roster at your polling place, and if your ID has either address, you’ll vote a regular ballot (see ID to Vote below).

We recommend that all voters include their telephone number on the form, so they can be reached if there’s a question.

If you’re registered anywhere in the county, you can update your registration with an address or name change any time up to Election Day.  Although there’s no deadline, it’s best to update as soon as possible, so your name will be included in the Signature Roster at your polling place.

If you procrastinate updating your registration, you can go the polling place assigned to your new address and vote a provisional ballot.  The provisional ballot form will update your registration and your vote will count.

If you find you’re registered at an old address, you may be able to vote at your old polling place, but the official line is that you should vote where you live – for the local candidates that represent you – and the ballot initiatives that affect you – in the community in which you now live.

Provisional Ballot
If you vote at your polling place, you must vote at the polling place assigned to your residence address!  While you have a right to vote a Provisional Ballot anywhere in the US, it will only be counted if it’s voted in your home precinct!  If you vote a Provisional Ballot, keep the top (pink) copy of the form with your unique affidavit number (Aff#) and after the election, check on the status of your provisional ballot.

ID to Vote – Check your ID!
To vote at the polling place, you must present “acceptable ID” (a different list than for registration! – see(http://recorder.maricopa.gov/pdf/outreach_eng.pdf ).

We recommend that all voters apply for an Arizona Drivers License, or non-operator ID.  While other forms of ID are acceptable, the Arizona DL or non-operator ID is sufficient proof, and the easiest to use.

We recommend that all voters verify that the address on their ID matches one of the addresses – residence or mailing – on their registration.  If your Arizona DL or non-operator ID shows an old address, you can update your address for free at https://servicearizona.com/webapp/driver/address/start.do – and apply for a new card for $4 – at https://servicearizona.com/webapp/driver/duplicate/start.do.  They offer express delivery service.

Voting Procedure – see “Things ALL VOTERS Should Know

The “Chain of custody” begins at the Polling Place.  The Board Worker Manual is mostly a series of checklists for procedures to ensure that eligible Voters are able to vote, and that their votes are securely delivered and accurately counted.  For example, Ballots and Seals should be carefully inventoried, and their use recorded on the Precinct Ballot Report.

See: http://recorder.maricopa.gov/elections/electboard.aspx for online Board Worker Manual and Video.

Standard Voting Procedure (see p.27 of Board Worker Manual)

1).  Voter starts at the Signature Roster, announces name, and presents ID (see Acceptable ID list below).

• The Roster Clerk checks ID, and locates Voter in the Roster.  If Voter isn’t listed in the white pages (active Voters), the clerk should check the yellow pages (recent add-ons) in the back of the book.
• If the ID is valid (proof of identity), and the ID address matches the registration address (residence or mailing), the Roster Clerk reads the Voter’s register number aloud.

2).  The Poll List Clerk uses the register number to find the Voter‘s name in the Precinct Register, and copies the Voter‘s name into the Poll List.

3).  The Ballot Distribution Clerk hands the Voter a ballot and offers ballot-marking instruction.  (The Distribution Clerk has an extra Precinct Register which is used to look up party affiliation for Primaries, but isn’t needed in the General.) 

4).  The Voter marks the ballot, deposits it in the optical scanner, and gets a sticker.

Provisional Ballot Procedure (p.30 of Board Worker Manual)

A Voter who isn’t listed in the Roster, doesn’t have valid ID (proof of identity), or whose ID address don’t match the Roster, is directed to the Provisional Ballot Clerk, who helps the Voter fill out a Provisional Ballot Form.

1).  If the Voter isn’t listed in the Roster, Board Workers should help them ascertain their assigned polling place by helping them find their residence address on the color-coded precinct map, which should be posted on the wall.  Voters must vote in the polling place assigned to the precinct in which they’re registered.  Anyone has the right to vote a provisional ballot anywhere, but it only counts if it’s voted in their own precinct.
• If they’re in the wrong polling place, they should be directed to their assigned polling place, where they may be listed in the Roster, and may vote a regular ballot.
• If they’re in the right polling place, but not in the roster, they should vote a provisional ballot.

2).  Provisional Ballot: If the Voter has valid ID (proof of identity), the Clerk circles “YES” on the front of the Form.  Voter does not need to return with more ID.

3).  Conditional Provisional Ballot: If the Voter doesn’t have valid ID (proof of identity), the Clerk circles “NO” on the front of the Provisional Ballot Form, and gives the Voter a list of acceptable ID and a list of locations to bring the ID within five days (of General Election).  Voter can also bring ID back to the Polling Place before 7 pm.

4).  Whether 2). Or 3). Apply, the Clerk helps the Voter fill out the Form, including name & address changes.

5).  The Clerk folds a ballot in half, gives it to the voter, and attaches the Form to a manila envelope.  The top (pink) page of the Form is a receipt with a unique Affidavit Number (Aff#) which the Voter should keep, and contact County Elections to find out if the ballot was counted, and if not, why not.  The contact info is on the receipt.

6).  The Voter votes the ballot, seals it in the envelope, deposits it in the Provisional Ballot Box, and gets a sticker.

7).  A week or two after Election Day, the Voter calls the phone number or visits the web page listed on the top (pink) page of the Form with the unique Affidavit Number (Aff#) to find out if the ballot was counted, and if not, why not.

Acceptable ID
• If ID address matches one Roster address, Voter votes standard ballot procedure.
• If ID address doesn’t match one Roster address, Voter votes provisional ballot procedure, doesn’t need to return with more ID.
• If Voter doesn’t have acceptable ID, Voter votes conditional provisional ballot procedure, needs to return with acceptable ID.

The elector shall announce his/her name and place of residence to the election official and present one form of identification from List #1 OR two different forms of identification from List #2.
[A.R.S. § 16-579(A)]

LIST #1 – Sufficient Photo ID including name and address
•Valid Arizona driver license or non-operating identification
•Tribal enrollment card or other form of tribal identification
•Valid United States federal, state, or local government issued identification

LIST #2 – Sufficient ID without photograph bearing name and address
•Utility bill of the elector that is dated within ninety days of the date of the election. A utility bill may be or electric, gas, water, solid waste, sewer, telephone, cellular phone, or cable television
•Bank or credit union statement that is dated within 90 days of the date of the election
•Valid Arizona Vehicle Registration
•Indian census card
•Property tax statement of the elector’s residence
•Tribal enrollment card or other form of tribal identification
•Vehicle insurance card
•Valid United States federal, state, or local government issued identification
•Voter Registration Card / Recorder’s Certification
•Any “Official Election Material” mailing bearing your name and address

From Crooks & Liars Post: McCain and the ‘ic’ factor

Poor John McCain isn’t especially good at grammar, either.

Given McCain’s reputation for reaching across the aisle and his daily pledge to treat Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton with respect, Washington Wire was a little surprised to hear McCain using the [”Democrat Party”] language.

“One thing I’m not any good at predicting is the outcome of Democrat elections,” he said Tuesday aboard his bus, dubbed the Straight Talk Express. A day earlier, he had mentioned his “Democrat friends” to a Cleveland-area audience.

Asked aboard his bus about the “ic,” he replied, “I’m sorry, I usually say Democratic. They prefer Democratic, so I try to say Democratic… It offends some members of their party, so I’ll say Democratic if that’s what makes them feel better.”

But his resolve didn’t last long. Later on that same ride, he was talking about his annoyance that Democrats take credit for the improving situation in Iraq. “To say, as Sen. Obama has said, that it’s because of the Democrat majority that we have experienced success in Iraq, that’s just beyond comprehension.”

For the record, it’s not a matter of “preference,” or “feeling better.” “Democrat” is a noun, “Democratic” is an adjective. This isn’t optional; it’s English. “Democrat Party” isn’t bothersome, it’s just wrong.

A PC is the representative from a neighborhood to the Democratic Party and communicates election and candidate information to a neighborhood. Your neighborhood is your precinct. Every month the Democrats in each Legislative District meet together and you can become a nominated PC at the meeting. Your District Chair will be happy to help you get the information you need to do so.

1. Find your Legislative District by checking you voter registration card or visiting http://recorder.maricopa.gov/pollingplace05/GetDistrict.aspx for Maricopa county, or for anywhere in Arizona at www.azredistricting.org and type in your address at the lower left.

2. Attend your next District meeting. Check at http://azdem.org for information about the next meeting of your Legislative District.

Elected PC

Every two (even) years, nominated PCs can become elected PCs.

To become an elected PC, you collect ten petition signatures of fellow Dems in your precinct before June 4, 2008. Your District Chair will have the forms and other information for completing the process.

Elected PCs are eligible to vote for district and county party officers and to be an officer themselves. One third of PCs are chosen by their fellow PCs to become a state committee person and can vote at the state level of the party.

Increase your power by becoming an elected PC.

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