Anyone Else a Pollwatcher Here?

10/26/04 | me

[NotchJohnson]

Hello, Wondering if anyone has any experience being a poll watcher. I think this means checking ids, maybe being sharp in other stuff. What is the reaction by people?

[Taggart_D]

I have signed up to be a challenger for the first time. It is little more than a QC check through the process; ie., making sure who shows has valid ID, etc. BUT, don't missunderstand....this is a VITAL Role. In areas that are heavily democratic...they tend to show up in busloads with nothing more than a utility bill for ID....and yes...the ENTIRE BUS.

[nhoward14]

I'm going to be a poll watcher in Dallas in the 32nd congressional district. I don't know exactly what that means yet because I haven't been to training yet. I do understand I'll mostly stand around and watch out for cheaters.

[squirrel1014]

Are you volunteering with the GOP/Bush-Cheney 72 hour efforts? I am a poll watcher and had training last night. Because there are lurkers here I'm not going to get into too much detail on the 72 hour efforts... but the main goal is to re-elect Bush and get our base out to vote!!

[SolomoninSouthDakota]

Good ears to hear the names and a pleasant personality will serve one well as poll watcher.

[Two Dawgs]

I'm a poll watcher in Maryland....going for training tomorrow!

[Eric]

I am an 'Assistant Registrar' in Connecticut. There are just two Republican and two Democrats per Precinct. This is my first time. I guess I get to deal with the people the Checkers and Challengers reject. I also get to call in the vote totals every hour to the Town Registrar of Voters.

[bayourod]

Mostly you just stand and watch. Take notes. Take food. In some states if you leave the polling place you cannot return. Some don't allow cell phones or outside contact because you might tell how the voting is going. Some places you aren't allowed to speak with any voters, other places you can't speak to clerks, but on the election judge or assistant judge.

You should get some written instructions and have a contact's number.

Thanks for your service, poll watchers are the front line of the voter fraud war and they are so hard to recruit.

Anyone who can take off on Tuesday or during early voting should call your Republican county headquarters and ask if you can be a poll watcher.

[Two Dawgs]

Good ears to hear the names and a pleasant personality will serve one well as poll watcher.



My ears are good but my personality during this election ain't so great!

[Archie Bunker on steroids]

I'd be worth top dollar as poll watcher. Got thousands of hours in teh last week alone watching Gallup, Zogby, Mason-Dixon, Rasmussen, IBEIO, ABC, LA Times, Wash Post, Fox,

[SolomoninSouthDakota]

Maybe you could give rides. LOL!

[rotundusmaximus]

You are cracking me up! I could get top dollar too and my husband, he would be no. 1 pick.

[Capitalism2003]

We need 10,000 poll watchers to combat the 10,000++ lawyers the dems have on hand to make sure people CAN cheat.

[Rushmore Rocks]

Mr. RR and I are both poll watchers on election day. He has the 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM shift. I relieve him at 1:00 and stay until 7:00 that night. We received an 18 page brochure full of regulations, rules, and things to watch for. We also have a two page "Poll Watcher Data Sheet" we have to complete and submit on Tuesday night.

Some of the things we are supposed to bring with us:
Poll watcher handbook
Cellular phone
Food and beverages
Flashlight (for looking into the ballot boxes before
voting to ensure that they are empty)
Camera (with flash)
Folding Chair
Pens

The rules are extensive and very detailed. And, personally, I am very glad to see that they are. Anyone who is a poll watcher should have the same guidelines as we do to follow.
Nothing has been left to chance or error.

We've had problems in South Dakota in the past. Perhaps that is why our instructions are so rigid and strict.....a good thing.

BTW, we just returned from Thune pancake supper. Elizabeth Dole was there. Twice as many people showed up as were expected. This has been happening all across the state.
I really believe we can "DUMP DASCHLE"!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[solo gringo]

I have run the polling place in my area but i am an old f#rt and with all the Democrat thugs out there i would help if i can come with my 12 gage.VIVA B/C 04

[GARealtor]

I just returned from my orientation to be a Poll Watcher in the Great State of Georgia. Pre-Polls look good for Bush/Cheney in Georgia- A majority Republican State, however, Our election offices are seeking persons interested in going to Florida to assist there. Transportation and Lodging provided. If you live in Atlanta area and are interested in assisting in Florida email me @
landlordgroup@comcast.net

[Tuscaloosa Goldfinch]

Two years ago I was a poll watcher -- then I got promoted (how, I have no clue ) to a clerk, and now I'm an assistant supervisor.

Lived in Rapid City in 75 for a few months. My husband was at Ellsworth (sp).

[gidget7]

Awesome! I was born as raised in CT, as were my parents, and their parents. I only moved to MA last January. CT shouldn't get too rowdy, unless you are in a bigger city.