Ann,

You waste a great deal of time on your post without giving a single specific example of a QC issue. You sound like one of the whiners that can’t get past the 2000 election.

Ann, I agree with your position. But also agree with Ozark that you need to provide specifics to bolster your cause.

For example, I sat through one of the training classes for election judges this year. It was probably the worst example of training I have ever seen. There was no role playing, there was no demonstrations. I came away thinking “no wonder the election judges seem to not know what they are doing”.

There are people who do QC checks at each of the polling locations during the day. They are usually met with compliance. However, there are the stubborn and the just plain ignorant who will take a “my way or the highway” approach to their poll instead of doing things properly. It would be great if the election authorities could rid themselves of them–but election boards are so desperate for workers they cannot turn away someone who is 95% effective.

What are some solutions? More/better election judges is the first step.

I have heard some folks suggest election judges should be done like jury duty. It would be hard
to guarantee a bipartisan effort in that event. And, why would we want election judges who definitely do NOT want to be there?

A program that encourages companies to allow their workers a paid day off to be an election judge. Perhaps, even tie some of the TIFs and tax incentives to such a program.

Close the schools on election days. Not only will this make voting easier (not having to go through a kindergarten class to get to the polls) and make schools safer, but it will allow teachers, administrators and other district employees to serve as election judges near their homes.

For having to work a 12 hour day for a measley $100 give or take $15, what do you expect? The judges do it for the peasant wage and are usually seniors. I have never had to walk through a classroom though, no less a kindergarten class in session. I think you are overexaggerating a bit suxzq.

Ann,

I noticed you said you previously worked as a judge…What happened? You like others agree the pay is terrible and the hours are long. Truth be told, that is why you have stopped being a judge.

Not all jurisdictions have terrible training. Some even offer the poll workers opportunities to come to the local election board and have a one on one training session for areas they feel they have trouble understanding.

suzyjak is correct on how desperate election boards are in finding staff, and have problems finding qualified workers.

Ann, maybe you should spend less time writing these articles and try to recruit some people to solve this problem that seems to bother you so much.

Ms. Leslie: I see that you claimed that the 2000 Presidential election lacked quality control. I (assume) that you are talking about Florida, I saw nothing wrong with the election in Florida in 2000, I did see a bunch of Democrats squalling and bawling about losing. All of the counts and numerous recounts said President Bush won.

Any serious election reform has to start right at the top. It’s asking for trouble to have a partisan politician (the Seceretary of State) be in charge of all elections, including the election in which he or she may be an incumbent or a candidate for higher office.

What a complete joke!
I have never had one problem voting, and I have never known a single person who has ever had a problem voting in any election…ever! I know there might be isolated cases where: power is out, natural disasters, etc., but for the most part, the voting “issues” come down to one thing…lack of brains and common sense!
If you can’t show your ID, take the voting card, put it in the machine and vote for your chosen candidate…then you are retarded and don’t need to be voting.

All of the completely clueless people in the 2000 and 2004 elections who couldn’t seem to grasp the concept of “voting” should try and get an “edumacation” before making voting decisions that have an effect on the direction and prosperity of the United States.

#3 Oh KM, must you call me a liar?

The polling place I refer to is Briarcrest in th Pattonville School District. They had the polling place in the hallway, right outside the kindergarten classes. Anytime they left or lined up, the voters had to go through them.

Not only going through the classes, the polling place was such a tight squeeze there was barely room to turn around.