As election lawyers and advocates, we study in great detail election laws, their impact on voters, and best practices for election reforms. We have also both volunteered with the Election Protection coalition in previous elections to ensure that voters have equal access to the ballot. But, although we’ve spent lots of time thinking about elections and talking to election officials (and Marissa observed polling place operations in several states), we had no practical experience actually serving as poll workers. To gain insight, as D.C. residents and voters, we signed up to work the last of the 2016 presidential held last Tuesday, June 14, in Washington D.C.
“Serving as a poll workers also allowed an opportunity to really see our daily work in action.”
We’re accustomed to rising at the crack of dawn (or earlier!) for nearly every election. But we were particularly excited to arrive at the polls at 6 a.m. to set up and actually help run an election. It was a unique and informative experience into the work we do every day. We saw how some of the issues we work on—including proper compliance with the National Voter Registration Act’s “Motor Voter” provisions, same day registration, and out-of-precinct voting— affect voters at the polls. We gained valuable insight into trouble-shooting various issues to ensure that every voter could cast a ballot that counts. We also enjoyed comparing our D.C. poll worker training to others we’ve observed, as we often discuss training best practices and practical considerations.
Beyond the insight we gained on the various election policies and procedures on Election Day, the poll-working experience also afforded us a very meaningful experience interacting with voters. We met longtime voters, including a woman who proudly explained that she had voted in nearly every election since she could first vote in 1962. We met new voters like the woman who couldn’t wait to cast a ballot after recently becoming an American citizen. We heard from a voter from Texas who lamented the voting laws of her former home state and expressed amazement that same day registration was so easy and effective.
We also enjoyed interacting with our fellow poll workers, some of whom had been serving as poll workers in the city, and some at the very same precinct, for many years. We learned from their experiences and heard stories of how D.C. elections have transformed over the years. We learned practical things by hearing firsthand why people chose to work the polls, and what makes them want to return to serve again.
Serving as poll workers also allowed an opportunity to really see our daily work in action. But, perhaps even more rewarding, this experience allowed us to interact with our neighbors, friends, and fellow city-dwellers to truly see how voting is often a tradition and always a valuable experience for each and every one of them.