For most states you are also paid for your time as a poll worker. Attend the training, follow directions, and you’re good to go.
Depending on the city the paycheck varies and some pay more than others. It’s a nice way to earn some extra money and doesn’t require much more work than checking drivers licenses, using a laptop, setting up booths, and doing some light paperwork.
Don’t worry about it too much. You’re gonna be working with some no-nonsense lady named Cathy who’s been doing this for 30 years and she won’t take any guff from anyone.
In my experience, poll working is about as dangerous as watching paint dry. Also, about as exciting.
Even when something does pop off - the Brooks Brother’s Riot because the only genuinely dramatic incident I could think of in the last 30 years - it’s highly localized and ultimately uneventful (from a violence perspective).
There was a lot that went on in 2020 as far as attempted and threatened violence against poll workers. Thousands of death threats for starters. Angry crowds outside detroit trying to bully them into stopping the vote count, and so forth. Plus their campaign against the georgia poll workers.
No problem, volunteer to be a poll worker for your county.
If you’re there in an official capacity they can’t complain about you loitering or ask you to leave.
For most states you are also paid for your time as a poll worker. Attend the training, follow directions, and you’re good to go.
Depending on the city the paycheck varies and some pay more than others. It’s a nice way to earn some extra money and doesn’t require much more work than checking drivers licenses, using a laptop, setting up booths, and doing some light paperwork.
How many Lemmyites will actually do this? Idk. Not holding my breath.
I plan on it, I’m in a small town and we need volunteers. I’m a little afraid of violence but it is what it is.
Don’t worry about it too much. You’re gonna be working with some no-nonsense lady named Cathy who’s been doing this for 30 years and she won’t take any guff from anyone.
In my experience, poll working is about as dangerous as watching paint dry. Also, about as exciting.
Even when something does pop off - the Brooks Brother’s Riot because the only genuinely dramatic incident I could think of in the last 30 years - it’s highly localized and ultimately uneventful (from a violence perspective).
I hope it goes that way for me, thanks
God I wish I could have your back as an Aussie onlooker for an hour or two
Much respect
There was a lot that went on in 2020 as far as attempted and threatened violence against poll workers. Thousands of death threats for starters. Angry crowds outside detroit trying to bully them into stopping the vote count, and so forth. Plus their campaign against the georgia poll workers.
Im doing it.
I’m getting my poll watcher certificate!
I’ve been doing it since 2020
Did it for the primary, will be there in November, standing next to the tabulator with a smile