Official Poll Watcher Volunteer Thread

[Sugarcoated]

For those who will be poll watching on November 2nd, let's discuss and support one another. Tips, ideas, things to watch for, etc. Any former poll watchers with experience it would be great if you could share your wisdom or stories. I'm getting training tomorrow and not sure what to expect on that big day. I live close to Philly, the polling place I'm being assigned to is upper middle class, I think it will be a pretty even mix of Dems and Repubs, but tending toward Kerry. A pretty tame area, I would think. But, this voting season is so bizarre, I'm a little nervous.

[whirlygigspin]

1. great source for monitors

http://www.electionprotectionvolunteer.org/electionprotection/index.cfm?mktcode=WALD015

[mopinko]

2. i am going to be a mystery voter

for common cause and vote watch. you vote at a particular time, and post your report on the website.
they are also having people take pictures of the tally at the end of day, and comparing to the numbers reported to the tabulators.
doing a training session with the local dems on saturday.

[dsewell]

3. Tips on staying awake?

I'm scheduled to report to my precinct at 5:30 a.m. :)

(No problem, actually. I'll be running on unleaded adrenaline all day.)

[Renew Deal]

4. You're going to be up for 24 hours straight.

Becuase hopefully we'll party all night.

[Rjnerd]

5. As a computer security type, I signed up

with VerifiedVoting.org -- they want people that won't trip over touch screen vendors BS... But since Boston is either hand count, or optical scan (very few touch screens), it may not be something I have to do a lot with. (Supposed to join a training call tommorow afternoon) If it looks like I am somewhat surplus, (we have a lot of techies in this town), I may just head up to NH, and drive voters to the polls.

[MontecitoDem]

6. California

We have a great program going in California called Protect, Promote the Vote. Every county has received training materials, checklists, incident reports to fill out, and one statewide office to refer all questions and problems. It is awesome! I received the "official" training and will be training another 50 or so poll watchers in our county on Thursday.

Some tips: Remember to dress professionally, always act respectfully to the poll workers, bring water snacks etc., know the rules for your state inside and out!