The recount needs more volunteers ASAP

[dragonlady]

From the Journal-Sentinel (describing the coming recount, while suggesting it will be "chaos"):

Kloppenburg campaign manager Melissa Mulliken said Friday that her group expects to use hundreds of volunteer observers, primarily Wisconsin residents, since some counties would have multiple tables where ballots are being counted at once. Mulliken said the goal was to have volunteers able to observe at least a large portion of the 1.5 million ballots.
http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/120518594.html

A large portion isn't good enough! It's important to have somebody representing Kloppenburg at every ward in case disputes might arise as to the voter's intent on a particular ballot. Somebody should be there to challenge decisions of the canvassers if need be. Where there will be machine counting the GAB procedure also states that each ballot will be inspected before it is fed through the machine. That gives an observer a chance to note who the voter voted for. This would be crucial evidence if there are future court proceedings.

Can you can possibly spare some time to represent JoAnne Kloppenburg at the recount we wanted her to ask for (and for which she will pay a heavy price in both money and her political future)? Write the campaign at [e-mail]. Include this information: Name/ Cell Phone (or preferred phone)/ Email/ City / County/ Dates Available (4/25 to 5/6)/ Willing to Travel?/ Willing to Help Recruit Others?

:patriot:

[sybylla]

1. Thanks for the reminder!

I already signed up, but I know they'll need a lot of people.

[Kashka-Kat]

2. I signed up via web site but have not heard anything - yes there needs to be

reps at ALL recount locations, and I'm sure there will be if there's some good organization in place. Just think of all the campaign workers alone.

Still.... Apr 25 is like... tomorrow!

[dragonlady]

3. Recount starts tomorrow, there's still time to volunteer

The campaign will send you all the information. This may go on until May 9 in some places, so there are plenty of opportunities to help. If you can give only a day or two, or a few hours, that's another pair of eyes to watch what goes on at one recount location and make sure all is well, or object if it isn't.

Write the campaign at [e-mail] . Include this information: Name/ Cell Phone (or preferred phone)/ Email/ City / County/ Dates Available (4/25 to 5/6)/ Willing to Travel?/ Willing to Help Recruit Others?

We may be able to make history here.

[eowyn_of_rohan]

4. They need people in Milwaukee Tomorrow

I just got a call, but unfortunately can't go there tomorrow.

[dragonlady]

6. Still need people in Milwaukee

Thanks to all the people from Madison who came to help out! It would be nice to have more Milwaukee residents, though.

[HelenWheels]

5. I'm going in tomorrow

Marathon County. Got a call telling me the place and time and said I would get an email telling me what to bring and what to expect. Didn't get an email so called them and was directed to another number. Called it and was told he would send it right away. Still no email. I guess I will just show up tomorrow.

[Lefta Dissenter]

7. kicking (since I'm too late to "r")

PLEASE, even if you've sent an email and haven't heard back, send another email and then just head to one of the recount sites. We could use more people in Oshkosh, as I'm sure they can at every location. At least in Oshkosh, the clerks are great to work with and are trying to accommodate all of the requests of the observers, but they also are under a very tight deadline, so they need to have multiple stations running whenever possible. It is absolutely impossible to observe all of the recount activities if we don't have lots more volunteers.

You don't need any experience! Just come with red pens; a clipboard with paper or pad of paper (no binders); a hand counter, if you have one; be prepared to leave your coat/purse/bags in your car; bring your smile, and just be prepared to go with the flow. The clerks are doing their best to make this run smoothly, but as you can imagine, space and resources are very tight, so there can be little bumps in the process.

By the way, we witnessed NO CHAOS! :D

[PeaceNikki]

8. In regards to Waukesha...

They are limiting the number of reps allowed inside the "blue lines" to 7. We were able to get a good flow of close observation going with 2 additional "public observers" watching poll books while other 7 monitored the ballot counts, etc.

It's been rather fluid, but important that we have effective reps inside of the blue line who are able to help validate counts and make sure ballots aren't going in wrong pile (this happens, watch for it).

I don't know if other counties are limiting official reps in this manner.

[dragonlady]

9. Extra energy for recounting: JoAnne called me!

It was a total surprise to answer the phone and hear JoAnne Kloppenburg on the line. She was taking a turn at calling the volunteers to set up their assignments for next week. (Does anyone think David Prosser would do such a thing?) We owe her a lot for taking this step. It's not too late to offer your help. Most volunteers can't commit to working every day, so there need to be new people joining all the time. Write to [e-mail] to sign up.

[HelenWheels]

10. Going in tomorrow, May 1

This will be my second day. It makes for a long day. I put in about 7 hours. That's about the length of my staying power.

[dragonlady]

11. Milwaukee needs people Monday

More volunteers are needed in Milwaukee County on Monday because they will start three suburban recounts, in addition to continuing the Milwaukee City work. It's being held at the Sports Complex at 60th and Ryan Road in the far southern part of the county.

Great thanks to everyone who has volunteered so far. This is another instance of grassroots activism (Wisconsin is getting quite good at it!).

[sybylla]

12. Wausau could use another volunteer or two Tues & Wed.

I'm hoping we're done by then. Cross your fingers.