Ever wonder about being a poll worker?
When you voted in the primaries, you may have noticed the many workers who made it possible for you to cast your vote in a safe, efficient environment. They check you in by street name and give you the correct ballot with party affiliation (including a choice between them if you are Unenrolled at the time of the primaries). They collect your ballot and confirm it is securely accepted by the counting machine. They are the ones that help you reactivate your registration because you “forgot” to fill out that town census that may or may not have been used as a drink coaster a few months ago. Not to mention the vigilant seemingly extra workers to the side, and of course the police details to ensure security.
So who are these mysterious facilitators of democracy? They are local poll volunteers and workers! We asked one of our own Mass 50501 volunteers who has been a poll worker a few questions to shine a light on the election process and perhaps encourage you to reach out to your City or Town Clerk to find out how you can get involved in your own community.
Please note: poll workers and poll observers (also known as “poll watchers”) are different roles with different requirements and responsibilities. Both are important! Have you volunteered or worked at the polls? We’d love to hear your experience! Reach out to us at newsletter@mass50501.org.
Respondent: Morrelle/P.A.M./Button Lady
Did you serve as a poll worker or poll observer? (Or other term, depending on location)?
I’m a poll worker. You might see me when you come in to vote. I’ll verify your name and address and hand you a ballot and give you instructions. If you didn’t fill out your census, I’ll ask for your ID. If there are questions I can’t resolve, I’ll direct you to the Election Warden.
Where and when did you serve as a poll worker? (For where - be only as specific as you are comfortable!)
I serve in my community. As I became more involved in my community, I found I knew people who worked at the polls and decided to step up. I have worked the polls for more than ten years.
Why did you volunteer?
My mother took us when she voted and I believe voting is important. A few hours of my time can help someone have a friendly and fair voting experience.
Had you ever worked in a similar capacity before?
As an Elected Woburn Democrat, I have shared voting information and learned more about our state system by attending our state conventions. I had never worked or volunteered with my city in any capacity before becoming a poll worker.
What was the sign-up process like? (Editorial note: This varies across municipalities.)
I contacted the Woburn City Clerk to sign up as a poll worker.
Were you provided with any training? If so, what was the time commitment?
We have training before most elections. Sometimes it’s a review, sometimes we find a fix for a problem (a voting machine shut down because it had been running on battery power when the power supply was unplugged). I didn't work the last election so I needed training on the new tablet system for voter verification. There is usually a two hour session prior to election day.
How many hours did you work, and what tasks did you do?
I worked seven hours on 9/1. I worked the afternoon shift so I was responsible for ensuring that the total number of ballots (D,R) I gave out equaled the number of people I checked in. The totals of my partner and I should total the number on the voting machine (including spoiled ballots and provisional ballots). We reviewed the numbers and corrected errors. The Police took the ballots to City Hall where they underwent further review and City totals were posted. Each precinct posts total votes from the voting machines.
Were you paid for your time?
We are paid a small amount. I thought I was volunteering!
What did you think of your time?
Each election is different. The primary is usually slow. Different times of the day have more activity. Election Day is always the busiest. I have done this for more than ten years and have never had an unpleasant time. Everyone is dedicated to running a clean election. Occasionally we have to ask a voter to cover up a political t-shirt, remove a hat, or ask for a license to confirm address.
What would you say to someone who is considering being a poll worker in Massachusetts?
Join Us! I am impressed with the attention to detail. People from different parties are paired together to prevent any appearance of bias at any time. Since we all want clean elections, the time spent together is pleasant. I have complete confidence in my community’s election process. When there is a question, we ask the on-site Warden. Wardens may ask each other but they usually go directly to the City Clerk.
If you’re interested in learning more about the process in your own municipality, you can check with your city/town. Some City and Town clerks have websites dedicated to signing up, such as Boston, while others have instruction pages with a form like Belmont, and many don’t have any instructions, which means you need to reach out directly to the Clerk’s office.
The variation in signing up is complicated! Don’t let that deter you. We’ve collected up-to-date information on important, legal methods to support our polls as part of our Protect Our Vote campaign, including information on how to be a poll worker and how to be a poll observer.
If you have experience serving as a poll observer, we’d love to feature your perspective in an upcoming blog post, as both poll workers and poll observers are necessary for ensuring a healthy democratic process! Reach out to us at newsletter@mass50501.org.
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