Quick report from my first poll watch.
I got to my station about 30 minutes before the polls opened this morning and met the staff assigned there, all very nice people. I showed my credentials and took my place where I was supposed to, behind the table, no closer than six feet from the voter.
When the polls opened, traffic was slow. In fact, it was slow the entire time I was there. By the time I left there had been just a little over one hundred voters.
The election official had been told that if they personally knew a person they didn't have to show an ID. Arkansas has eleven ID's that are acceptable. I explained that the law states they DO have to show an ID. I politely told her that while she may know the people, I did not. I also called my superior who came by and verified what I had said. From that point on ID WAS asked for.
I had only one challanged vote for no ID and there was no complaining from the official or the voter.
As I mentioned in an earlier post, and as I explained last night, my leg was giving me major problems. About 3:30 I couldn't take the pain any more so I called for a replacement. The moment my replacement arrived we had the second challenged vote.
I was stationed in an all black precinct and only heard one man grumble about having to show ID. However, he did present proper identification and there was no trouble. I did hear there was some trouble at a couple other precincts though.
All in all, it was a great experience and I look forward to being a watcher again!
The people of Arkansas may have lost yesterday, but it isn't for lack of dedication and hard work on the part of conservatives here, but American still won....
WE HAVE THE SENATE!!!!!!