Three Steps To Take For A Smoother Election Day

by: huntsu

Wed Oct 22, 2008 at 01:15:00 PM EDT

Most everyone has made up their mind how they are going to vote by now -- for national and local elections -- and if they haven't made up their minds they are not likely to vote at all.

So what needs to be done now is ensure that all our supporters get out to vote, and that all our supporters are able to vote.  

In one county where I have anonymous sources in the election board there are thousands of newly registered voters who will be forced to vote on a provisional, paper ballot because there is not enough time to get them entered into the computers and printed in the official voter books.

That's just one county with 20 or so towns, meaning at least 100 or more provisional ballots in every town.  That's a major record, and it could be worse.  Poll workers are always confused by provisional ballots, and it takes them away from the tables where they can keep the lines moving.

Add in the thousands of new voters and the tens of thousands of regular voters and polling places will be teeming with people trying to vote dealing with frustrated poll workers and overwhelmed support staff.

Here are some steps you can take to help reduce the confusion and ensure a smoother election.

1. Vote by absentee ballot -- Apply for an absentee ballot and take yourself out of the election day confusion.  You can vote by mail for any reason, but you need to get it done quickly.  The last day county clerks will mail out your ballot is October 28, and the last day you can vote absentee in person at the clerk's office is November 3 by 3 p.m.  Encourage your neighbors to do the same.  Absentee Ballot Application and list of County Clerks
2. Become a poll worker -- This is one where you can get paid!  Most counties are still looking for poll workers, and it is vitally important that smart folks with stamina sign up.  You'll be trained in how to deal with the provisional ballots, machine problems, etc.  You can get paid to help create a smooth election.  Contact your local County Clerk or your County Democratic chair to find out how.
3. Become a challenger -- Each party is allowed to have representatives in the polls, and usually doesn't have enough people to do it.  As a challenger you can help voters who have problems with not being in the books, with being told to vote provisionally, and you'll have a phone number of some lawyers to call in case there is real trouble.  This is a vital role in any election that is rarely filled enough.  The cool part is that you can do this for just a few hours of the day around your own schedule.  Contact your County Democratic chair to offer your assistance.

Any other suggestions on how to make election day run more smoothly?  Put them in the comments.