I volunteered to be a poll worker on November 4th. (I was a poll worker during the primary elections and it was very rewarding.) Two things of interest should be noted.

When I volunteered, they asked if I was a Republican or a Democrat. I answered “Neither”. They informed me that to be a poll worker, I had to be either a Republican or a Democrat, and I had to tell them which, so that they could make sure an equal number of Republicans and Democrats are positioned at each polling location. I told them that I wasn't either a Republican or a Democrat, but if I needed to be labeled one or the other to help out on election day that would be fine. They, again, asked me if I was a Republican or a Democrat. I answered “Neither”, again. They asked, “Can I put you down as a Republican? The Texas City location needs one more Republican.” I assured her that it was fine, but reminded her that I wasn't actually a Republican. She went on to something else. What I find interesting about this is that, while I understand the need to ensure equal representation among political parties at polling locations (to ensure fairness), what about representation of non-Republican and non-Democratic voters? Why don't they get a say? Why wasn't, at least, “Libertarian” listed as an option for me to temporarily associate myself with? Needless to say, I'll be keeping my eye on everything that day.

Because I'm volunteering, I'll be required to stay at my assigned polling place from 6:30am until 7:30pm (which is 30 minutes on either side of when the polls open and close). That ensures that I'll not be able to get anywhere close to my own voting location at any time on November 4th. What I find interesting about this is that the only time I'm “allowed” to use a paper ballot to cast my vote is on November 4th. Early voting is exclusively electronic ballot (as far as I can tell). Provisional ballots (while paper) aren't counted unless the race is hotly contested, meaning provisional ballots may not be counted at all. Given my dislike for black box voting and my refusal to vote on anything but paper… this poses a significant problem. I've asked my County Clerk to find a way to allow this volunteer to vote on a paper ballot on, or before, November 4th. She said she'd call me back soon after she talks to a few folks. I was very polite, but very firm in my request for paper, and I stressed the fact that I was volunteering in a location that I was not allowed to leave during voting hours. I'll keep you informed.

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