Poll workers: They'll see you at the polls

By ELENA JOHNSON

Coeur Voice contributor

It’s election season, and despite national and global health and financial concerns, the May 19 election for the Kootenai County primary is still on. Candidates, their policies, and the election process itself are under the spotlight.

It took about 350 people to run the March 10 election in Kootenai County, including those scanning each of the 22,000-odd signatures.

“It takes a lot more than people think,” said Kootenai County election manager Shelly Amos.

These workers include the folks who greet you at the polls. One takes your name and checks your identification. Another hands out that sheet, or two, of paper – your official voice in governing matters. Afterward one more poll worker cries, “[This citizen] has voted!”

“We could not put on an election without poll workers,” said Chief Deputy Clerk Jennifer Locke.

Poll workers and election judges, in short, help make voting possible by running polling stations. Separate from those who may be voted in and out of office, they help ensure a single, private vote for each citizen.

“You’re [in] the spotlight,” said local chief election judge Beverly Guenette. “I just want to provide an atmosphere where everyone can feel comfortable.”

Guenette has been working elections in Kootenai County for about three years. Chief judges must have worked an election as a poll worker before and have additional responsibilities.

“I’m making sure the poll is working as it’s supposed to,” she said.

Polling places are usually manned by three to five poll workers, Guenette estimates, and one chief judge. Higher profile elections, such as the presidential election in November, often have larger teams.

Poll workers are typically assigned to a single position, like a station, but precise positions can vary with the number of workers. Often, one person is in charge of the poll book listing registered voters, a job Guenette typically gives to the most experienced member, as it takes more time and can be frenzying in a rush.

“My newest person I will put on giving out the ballot,” said Guenette, as they’re told which ballot to give out by the person running the poll book. Another worker typically receives ballots.

Although poll workers’ tasks may not seem difficult, the pressure of efficiency and the eyes of voters who may be itching to vote or stressed about the wait can add urgency and stress to the job.

“It’s just not the easiest thing to do,” the chief election judge said, adding that workers likely only perform these tasks a few times a year.

When she hears community members complain by claiming poll workers “just don’t know the alphabet,” she says, “Try it once. You’ll get a better understanding.”

“I try to get people to understand that poll workers are doing the best they can.”

Another part of an elections worker’s day? Trying to keep secrecy sleeves from going into the ballot box. Voters protective of their right to privacy sometimes misunderstand these attempts.

“The biggest complaint we’ve had that I’ve seen is, ‘Oh, the poll worker was trying to see who I voted for,” said Guenette.

Ballot boxes can’t be opened during an election day, even to retrieve sleeves. If a sleeve slips in by mistake, it can’t be recovered before polls close. Poll workers must walk the fine line of protecting a voter’s privacy – while also ensuring sleeves are available for the next voter.

Serving as a poll worker or judge is a job, if a short-term one. The elections judge said she has tried to correct people in the past who try to thank her and fellow workers for their service.

“Everybody thinks we’re volunteering,” said Guenette. “We do get paid.”

However, she thinks many are motivated more by the chance to perform a public service than for the extra cash.

In addition to ensuring the polls they’re assigned to run smoothly, election judges can help poll workers, some of whom may be brand-new to the job (although workers do receive a two-hour training prior to election day) and assist with polling duties such as checking identification and registering voters.

“I take full responsibility for the ballot box and I take it at the end of the day to the Elections Office,” said Guenette.

Signs, the ballot box, and other materials are returned to the Office at the end of the day. Guenette says the workers who help unload judges’ cars can be quite efficient.

“We open the door…and it’s boom, boom, boom – and your car’s unloaded in three seconds,” she joked.

While election policies vary across the nation, Kootenai County citizens have some election day perks.

“Idaho allows people to register [to vote] the day of the election,” said Locke.

Not all states allow citizens to register the day of an election. Utah residents must register at least seven days before Election Day, and Oregonians only have until three weeks before an election.

Kootenai County also appears to have an advantage when it comes to polling locations – with approximately 54, according to Shelly Amos, Elections Manager at the Kootenai County Elections Office.

“Counties do have challenges on finding locations,” said Amos.

A dearth of voting locations, registration restrictions, and limited open poll hours are often voiced as limitations on voters – and possible reasons for low voter turnout.

“I think they’ve solved that problem with absentee and early voting.” said Guenette. “There’s really no excuse.”

In addition to being able to request an absentee ballot at the beginning of the year, says Amos, early voting in-person at the Elections Office is available for two weeks before the election.

‘Curb-side voting’ is also available for those who may not be able to get out of the car, removing a different barrier to voting. In such cases workers like Guenette bring the poll book outside to the voter to be signed, as well as the appropriate ballot in a secrecy sleeve.

“I think Kootenai County does a fabulous job getting options [out to the public] and we still get low turnout,” said Guenette. “They do an excellent job letting people know.”

Just last week Idaho Secretary of State Lawrence Denny launched an early voting campaign, which can be found at Idahovotes.gov/vote-early-idaho and allows users to register to vote, check their voter registration and register for an absentee ballot online.

While some states are pushing springtime elections into June, for now, Locke says an in-person vote for Kootenai County is “likely”.

Still, if the Center for Disease Control’s advocacy for social distancing measures persists into May, alternatives to in-person voting may be of value to concerned or immunocompromised voters.

The County is still in need of more poll workers for the May election and is accepting applications, especially as not everyone who signs up actually works on Election Day.

“So many people sign up to be a poll worker and the day of, they don’t show, don’t call or they’re sick,” said Guenette.

Poll workers are compensated a total of $150 for their time. Poll workers must commit to the 14-hour shift from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the day of the election as well as a two-hour training period.

Requirements listed on the Kootenai County website include being a registered voter and being able to read and write English.

You can call the Elections Office at (208) 446-1030 for more information or find the online application at Kcgov.us/324/Poll-Workers. The site Idahovotes.gov/vote-early-idaho also has poll worker information.