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Back from the polls
Nov. 4th, 2008 10:06 pmMy day as a presiding judge is over. I have to say it was an enlightening experience. I hadn't realized the enormous amount of organization and person-power needed to run the general election.
My day started at 4:50am. By 6am I was at the school, and starting to set up a room for the election. Shortly afterward, my first poll worker arrived - Adrian. She was quite obviously family, confirmed in later discusions. She was a tremendous help during the day, not least in helping keep in line one of the other poll workers who was completely ditzy.
I had both Republican and Democrat challengers. They presented their credentials, and I reminded them both of the limits of their role.
At 7am, we opened the poll. About 20 people were already lined up waiting to vote. That was our 'big rush'. By the end of the day, only 97 people had voted at our precinct - although about 60% were listed as having already early voted or received an absentee ballot.
Even so, the day was not wasted, and was very enjoyable. I'd like to work a busier poll next time. I figure this was my 'with training wheels' election as a Presiding Judge.
I think my favorite moment was when a very large gentlemen in suit and tie came in and loudly announced to the poll workers that he was from the Attorney General's office, and he wanted to know how everyone was doing. I told him I was the Presiding Judge, that he should address any questions to me, and asked to see his ID. Rather embarrassed, he admitted he'd forgotten to bring ID with him, but he'd go get his colleague who did have her ID with her! Pompous ass. The attorney general can send representatives, but they have to work through the judge!
At 7pm I declared the polls closed, and started filling out the archane forms. However, a well thought out check list walked me through the process, and thankfully all the totals added up. In addition to the regular ballots, we'd had some adsentee ballots handed in, and some provisionals. After sealing everything in a miriad of envelopes, publishing the results on the door of the precinct and packing up the equipment, I let the pollworkers go, and headed off to the Drop Zone. There, I handed in the sealed ballot box, and the many envelopes to be checked. One was returned to me, and I then set off to post that to the Secretary of State. Finally, I was set to go home.
Now, at 10pm, I am delighted to be listening to Obama's speech while enjoying a glass of wine with my hubby. I am SO relieved that we have a real President again.
McCain's speech this evening was very good; it's a shame he didn't show any of that tact, diplomacy and statesmanship when he was buildiing a campaign on the basis of hatred, lies, and inuendo.
My day started at 4:50am. By 6am I was at the school, and starting to set up a room for the election. Shortly afterward, my first poll worker arrived - Adrian. She was quite obviously family, confirmed in later discusions. She was a tremendous help during the day, not least in helping keep in line one of the other poll workers who was completely ditzy.
I had both Republican and Democrat challengers. They presented their credentials, and I reminded them both of the limits of their role.
At 7am, we opened the poll. About 20 people were already lined up waiting to vote. That was our 'big rush'. By the end of the day, only 97 people had voted at our precinct - although about 60% were listed as having already early voted or received an absentee ballot.
Even so, the day was not wasted, and was very enjoyable. I'd like to work a busier poll next time. I figure this was my 'with training wheels' election as a Presiding Judge.
I think my favorite moment was when a very large gentlemen in suit and tie came in and loudly announced to the poll workers that he was from the Attorney General's office, and he wanted to know how everyone was doing. I told him I was the Presiding Judge, that he should address any questions to me, and asked to see his ID. Rather embarrassed, he admitted he'd forgotten to bring ID with him, but he'd go get his colleague who did have her ID with her! Pompous ass. The attorney general can send representatives, but they have to work through the judge!
At 7pm I declared the polls closed, and started filling out the archane forms. However, a well thought out check list walked me through the process, and thankfully all the totals added up. In addition to the regular ballots, we'd had some adsentee ballots handed in, and some provisionals. After sealing everything in a miriad of envelopes, publishing the results on the door of the precinct and packing up the equipment, I let the pollworkers go, and headed off to the Drop Zone. There, I handed in the sealed ballot box, and the many envelopes to be checked. One was returned to me, and I then set off to post that to the Secretary of State. Finally, I was set to go home.
Now, at 10pm, I am delighted to be listening to Obama's speech while enjoying a glass of wine with my hubby. I am SO relieved that we have a real President again.
McCain's speech this evening was very good; it's a shame he didn't show any of that tact, diplomacy and statesmanship when he was buildiing a campaign on the basis of hatred, lies, and inuendo.
