Be a Poll Worker and Get Your Own Theme Song!
Two things happen to almost everyone who sees Uncounted. First, they become overwhelmed by the message of systemic voter disenfranchisement presented in the film. Then they want to know, “What can I do to help?”
One of the things in the film we suggest they can do is become a poll worker. It’s easy, it doesn’t take too much time, and can make a huge difference in the efficiency and accuracy of our elections.
A recent article in The USA Today illustrates both the need for poll workers in what is expected to be a high-turnout election in November and the desire by some election commissions to smarten up the process.
Changes include:
• Teenagers. More than 40 states now allow 16- or 17-year-olds to work at the polls. “They’re younger, they’re tech-savvy, and it’s a lot of money for them for one day,” says Elaine Manlove, Delaware’s election commissioner.
• Employers give paid time off. Virginia, which wants 10,000 more poll workers for a 50% increase, has signed up at least 14 businesses that will give workers a paid day off to staff polling places.
• Workers with special abilities. Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie is among the election chiefs recruiting poll workers who can help the deaf or blind or can speak a language in addition to English.
• Ad campaigns. Officials from Davidson County, Tenn., to Maricopa County, Ariz., are sending notices with utility bills and asking radio and TV stations to run public-service announcements.
• Making the job easier. Vermont splits Election Day shifts in two, a move being considered by other states. South Carolina is among many states letting poll workers take training online.
So if you want to help, call or email your county election commission today and volunteer to be a poll worker. It’s an experience that will leave you feeling satisfied, fulfilled, and extremely patriotic. And, as an extry added bonus, you get your own theme song!
I’m a Poll Worker (sung to the tune of “I’m a Girl Watcher” by the O’Kaysions)
I’m a poll worker, I’m a poll worker…
Watchin’ voters go by, hey, my my
I’m a poll worker, I’m a poll worker…
Here comes one now…
(You’re welcome for getting that song stuck in your head.)