Has anyone here ever served as a poll worker?

[theHandpuppet]

Several weeks ago my partner and I signed up as volunteer poll workers for the upcoming election. (We were told our county was desperately understaffed.) After the deadline and several weeks had passed I called the voter registration office to ask what happened to our applications and they said those applications must be processed by the committees of the local parties (depending on whether we were registered Dems or Republicans) and they would be responsible for contacting us, NOT the registrar.

Is this normal operating procedure for acceptance and assigning of poll workers? Just curious.

[MaineDem]

1. It depends...

Here in Maine there must be equal represntation by poll workers (the paid town ones) from the two major parties. The local Dem and GOP committees can nominate the ballot clerks. The Town/City clerks can then select from that list. (Notice there was no MUST in that sentence.)

However, much of this is a fiefdom. The local clerks have their old standbys and it's sometimes difficult for new people to get in.

[Demeter]

2. I'm Election Inspector in Michigan

I answered an ad, took training, and have served in 6 elections so far (we can have 4 a year). I am employed by the City of Ann Arbor's Clerk.

I have to identify myself with a specific political party because all actions should be done by pairs from different parties, as a check on sabotage. But the Party has nothing to do with me or the job.

Your state no doubt differs. Talk to your local party office, to check what you are told.

[TechBear_Seattle]

3. I would very much like to, but...

In Washington State, you have to sign a loyalty oath to one of the major parties (Republican, Democratic or Libertarian.) As an avowed independent, I am forbidden by law from being a poll worker.

[theHandpuppet]

4. That sucks

It should also be unconstitutional!

[Demeter]

5. What About the Greens, or other 3rd parties?

Don't they count? That ought to be against the law.

[TechBear_Seattle]

9. Nope. One of the privileges of being a major party n/t

[thinkingwoman]

6. yes, years ago

All through high school I worked for the local party at the polls...checking off names of our voters. Later I became a journalist so I had to work the polls a different way.

In my state, there are three categories of poll workers--county officials and their staff, and representatives from each major political party. County officials are elected and their staff is hired (not volunteers). Then each party sends representatives (volunteers) to observe and check off names of their party's voters. Just call your local party head and check on their progress. Remember they're probably woefully understaffed. You may want to offer to volunteer in other areas as well. I expect you'll be welcomed.

I have fond memories of being a poll worker (even though that was more than 20 years ago). It was a LOT of fun and a great feeling to participate in the process. I hope you and your partner enjoy it as much as I did.

[betterdeadthanred]

7. I work the polls every time

the county always contacts me, but it could be different from state to state.
The polls are always understaffed. People should get out and do it, it's a great way to meet your neighbors and to participate in the process.

[crispini]

8. That's how our county does it.

The county party nominates you to be an election judge or clerk and sends your name to the elections office.

[TexasLawyer]

10. The upcoming elections are primaries,

so the parties are the ones that are running the show as far as staffing goes. What you were told sounds about right to me.

If you want to work, and you have the appropriate training in time for the election, you should probably contact your precinct chairman or someone higher up in the party in your county.

(I'm a precinct chair and election judge. I lined up my own workers through my local Democratic club).

[NativeTexan]

11. In Texas....

...that's the way the PRIMARIES work! General elections are staffed by the County Clerk.

[f-bush]

12. I've been both a poll worker and an election judge ...

in Washington State and this is how they did it when I was doing that 1989-1991