so, i am going to be a poll watcher

[mopinko]

in the illinois 6th primary next month.
any advice?

[HysteryDiagnosis]

1. Now watch this pole..... :)

[The Backlash Cometh]

2. I was a poll worker.

Not going to do it this November. It's too disheartening. I live in a Republican county, so what's the use?

Anyway, find out what the rules are before you go. In Florida I believe you're suppose to have representatives from every party included as poll workers. So if it's the same in Illinois, check to see that your poll area is properly distributed with party members. Also, if you have time, try to find out how long they've been party members of their parties.

Learn the process of checking in voters and how the names are taken down and how the ballots are handed out. Learn it so well that you can recognize deviations.

Also check to see how many people need special attention. Count the number who are allowed to vote despite discrepancies, and what parties they belong to.

Basically, get a list of the job descriptions for all the poll workers, and make sure that everyone is doing what they're suppose to be doing.

[mopinko]

3. i worked in '04

as a runner (?) checking on who had voted, then knocking on their doors.
i had in mind more figuring out if votes are actually being counted. i don't think the campaign is worried enough.

[The Backlash Cometh]

4. The only way you'd notice anything is if someone comes in to

tamper with the machines while you're there. It's unlikely to happen. They usually get delivered the day before so you won't even be there if someone decides to load special software.

The only other thing I can think of is keep a count on the number of booths available for the number of people that come to vote.

[Crunchy Frog]

5. Good for you.

I was one in my precinct in the '04 election. I wish I could tell you that there was anything exciting about it, but it was a pretty slow and quiet precinct, and I basically just sat around reading a book for four hours. I would be prepared for the possibility of nothing very interesting happening. Of course, that's no guarantee that it won't get interesting.

Good luck.

[flyarm]

6. i was poll watcher in primary 's and early vote and general in 04

in florida..i hope you don't have the good ole boys up in illinois like we have here in fla!
i dang near had a fight with SOE workers who supervised one of the SOE offices with a couple of Kerry Lawyers..it got real ugly..

but in fla we must remain quiet and call in a lawyer if there are problems...and watch vigilantly for problems..
don't let anyone intimidate you...but stay polite..it gets you accepted being there easier..

alot of POll workers feel intimidated when you are there watching them i found..some feel like you are there to start trouble..and in actuality it is just the opposite..you are there to help..

you are doing a great thing..just always remember that..you are being a responsible American..and i applaude you for it!!

fly

[mopinko]

7. the good ole boys

this will be the interesting part. this a long time red district, turning blue, but the dccc is trying to roll over the grassroots dem. very interesting.
i am really looking forward to it. as a mom, i think i have had a lot of practice at being both the good cop and the bad cop.