http://www.wcpo.com/content/news/election/story.aspx?content_id=11b728da-97da-4c8c-8196-d03f616755b0Reported by: Bill Price
Email: bprice@wcpo.com
Photographed By: Ronnie Fischer
Last Update: 10/30 2:55 am
When you head to the polls to vote next Tuesday, don't be surprised if you feel you're being watched.
In addition to lawyers from both political parties watching voting all over Ohio, local unions are also gearing up to prevent election day problems.
On Wednesday evening, the AFSCME District 8 Union Hall at 1231 Tennessee Avenue in Bond Hill is preparing for a special training session. It and several other unions hope to show 100 or more volunteers to become "poll monitors." They'll be trained to help voters as well as watch out for any problems.
If long lines for early voting outside the Hamilton County Elections Office on Wednesday are any sign, polling places will be packed when election day finally comes.
After seeing voting problems in Ohio over the last four years, the AFL-CIO wants to make sure no one is kept from casting a ballot this year. Organizer Charles Johnson told 9News, "The lines were long in Cleveland and we actually had to go through an emergency injunction from the courts to keep the pools open extended hours because of a bad weather situation. We want to make sure everyone gets their American given right to participate in our democracy."
Johnson says what the unions will do is station poll monitors in neon green jackets outside of polling places to see what's going on, and help voters with any questions they may have.
"Our goal is really to assist the Board of Elections in running a smooth election. Our goal is primarily to make sure the voters have an opportunity to vote," Johnson said.
FULL story and photos at link.