Being a Limestone County Poll Worker or a Democratic Party is an exciting and rewarding way to take an active part in our democratic process. To put it simply, to protect voting is to protect democracy. And that’s work we can all feel good about.
In spite of the Covid-19 Pandemic, it’s critical our local elections have in-person voting.
Polling places open on election day provide crucial ballot access for many Alabama voters. The more polling places that remain open, the safer it is for everyone with shorter lines, fewer crowds, and appropriate social distancing - limiting everyone's potential exposure to the COVID-19. The more poll workers we have, the more polling places we can have open. That's where you come in!
For in-person voting to be safe and accessible, we need younger, healthy Alabamians to step up and work as Poll Workers.
A large percentage of our local veteran poll workers are over the age of 65, which puts them in a high-risk category for complications due to COVID-19. If you are younger and healthy, please consider signing up to be a poll worker! (But please carefully consult the CDC's list of people who are at higher risk and talk with your doctor.)
Get Paid!
Not only will you be able to serve your community and make democracy safe and accessible for your neighbors, but you also will be paid for your time. This is because serving as an election worker is a paid position! Pick up some extra cash while serving one of the most vital roles in our democracy.
So what will you actually be doing?
First, you'll receive mandatory training on election procedure. On election day you'll work at a polling place to help check voters in, register people to vote and answer logistical questions voters may have. You might also help out as a greeter, directing voters to the right tables and making sure that proper social distancing is being followed in the lines. At the end of the day, you might help out with ballot counting or processing.
What are the requirements to be a Poll Worker?
The requirements are pretty simple:
You must be an active registered voter in Limestone County
You must interact well with the public and work well in stressful situations
You must attend training prior to each election, or as required by the Code of Alabama
You must be able to work a period of 14 to 15 hours on Election Day
ELECTIONS ARE THE FOUNDATION OF OUR DEMOCRACY, AND A CRUCIAL WAY FOR CITIZENS TO HOLD THEIR LEADERS ACCOUNTABLE, ESPECIALLY DURING TIMES OF UNCERTAINTY.
POLL WATCHERS
Poll Watchers are the eyes and ears for our Voter Protection team and are the first line of defense against any efforts to confuse and deter voters.
Poll Watchers are volunteers credentialed by a political party, and assigned to a specific polling place for the whole or part of Election Day. Democratic Poll Watchers must be registered to vote in the county where they are assigned, and must be approved by the County Chair of the Democratic Party based on personal knowledge and/or training.
We want to be ready to field the largest poll observer network that we've ever had here in Limestone County. We know that there is a lot of uncertainty about whether it will be safe to do in-person poll observation in November, so we are only asking you to express interest now. No previous experience or legal training is necessary!
An Invitation to young Alabama voters and progressives.
Young people in Alabama, particularly young Black and Latino voters, have long been the targets of voter suppression efforts and have a lot at stake in ensuring robust voter protection activities in our region. Unfortunately, like so many of our poll workers, the majority of our poll watchers are over the age of 60 and especially vulnerable during the Covid-19 pandemic. We need young Democrats and our young progressive allies and we are making a special effort to encourage their participation as poll watchers on the frontlines of our democratic process.
So what exactly do poll watchers do?
Poll watchers give information and assist when anything, or anyone, interferes with a voter’s ability to cast their ballot. Voter protection volunteers will receive all the training necessary to help when situations like these arise:
Provisional and absentee ballot issues.
Registration status problems.
Challenges to voters’ citizenship.
Changes to voters’ polling locations.
Accessibility issues or voter intimidation.
This Job is for you if:
You live in Limestone County and are a registered voter here.
You are a problem solver and critical thinker.
You don't mind volunteering on your own
You are available for a full day of poll watching on November 3.
You are available and willing to attend a live or online poll observer training and study the materials on your own.
You must have your own transportation to the polling location.
You must have access to a smartphone (ideally, but at least a cell phone that can call and text) that you can use throughout the day to report incidents, track numbers, and communicate with the Limestone Voter Protection team.
