Election Judge Training

1. Election Judge Training 2007

2. 2

3. 3 Your Handbook

4. 4 Your Handbook

5. 5 Quick Facts

6. 6 Judge Duties Supply Judge Assigns duties to other judges (for example, hanging signs, etc.) Supervises the conduct of the election at the polling place Picks up and returns the supplies before the election

7. 7 Judge Duties Supervisor Judge Oversees the set up of the polling place Checks various stations throughout the day

8. 8 Judge Duties Greeter Judge Greets and directs voters Reminds voters about ID, signature cards, etc. Assists with outside traffic control Monitors lines

9. 9 Judge Duties Change Judge Assists voters who have moved to update their information Locates the new address in the street index and assigns correct ballot style

10. 10 Judge Duties Poll Book Judge Identifies voters and verifies identification Views signing by voter Files the signature card

11. 11 Judge Duties Ballot Judge Assigns ballot number to voter Gives voter instructions on how to complete the ballot Spoils ballots, if necessary Completes Statement of Ballots/Return Form on election night

12. 12 Judge Duties Machine Judge Assists voters at the machine or ballot box Monitors machines Troubleshoots machines Checks the ballot box to make sure it’s clear and ballots are going in properly Assists the supervisor in transmitting results when the polls close

13. 13 Judge Duties Provisional Judge Instructs voters on how to complete the provisional envelope Assigns a ballot number to voter Gives voter instructions on how to complete the ballot Checks the ballot box to make sure it’s clear and ballots are going in properly

14. 14 Judge Duties Student Judge Assists the Supply Judge as needed

15. 15 Prepare for a long day. Bring enough food and drink to get you through the day or have a friend or relative bring it to you. You are not allowed to accept food or drinks from any special interest groups at the polling place. You are not allowed to leave the polling place except in the case of an emergency. General Judge Instructions

16. 16 Parking Judges should park in the back of the building leave spaces near the building for voters to use Use of facilities Leave building as clean as you found it General Judge Instructions

17. 17 Work as a team The supervising judge is in charge of the polling place but is not expected to make all the decisions. Judges should work as a team to keep things running smoothly. General Judge Instructions

18. 18 Appropriate behavior Do not talk on your cell phone unless it is for official election business. Do not bring children or pets. Do not eat at the judge table. General Judge Instructions

19. 19 Slow times during the day Bring appropriate things to pass the slow time Knitting Non-political reading material Crossword puzzles, etc. Avoid political discussions With each other With the public General Judge Instructions

20. 20 You are on public display Conduct yourself appropriately. Wear comfortable but appropriate clothing. Smile and be respectful and courteous to each voter. Remember, you are helping each voter exercise his/her right to vote. General Judge Instructions

21. 21 General Judge Instructions Have fun! You are an integral part of the democratic process! We appreciate your service.

22. 22 Judge Duties Sample Judge Duties Set Up

23. 23 Election Day Rules General Elections Information Do not allow anyone within 6 feet of the voting booths The law saying that a voter could not occupy a voting booth for more than 10 minutes has been changed. It now says “Eligible electors shall cast their ballots without undue delay and shall leave the immediate voting area as soon as voting is complete. Liquor is not allowed in or near the polls

24. 24 Election Day Rules General Elections Information Voters are not allowed to deface or damage the voting booths or ballots Voters are not allowed to remove ballots from the polling place.

25. 25 Election Day Rules Electioneering Electioneering is prohibited within 100 feet of any polling place any public street or room in any public manner within 100 feet of any building in which a polling place is located

26. 26 Election Day Rules Electioneering Includes Campaigning for or against Candidates who are on the ballot A ballot issue or ballot question Soliciting signatures for a petition Any communication that refers to any candidate Hats, buttons, pins, t-shirts, artwork, etc. that advertise ballot issues or candidates

27. 27 Election Day Rules Poll Watchers May be present in the polling place on Election Day from the time the judges arrive until closing Must present a Poll Watcher’s Form to election judge Must have a certificate of appointment for each polling place where he/she is designated to act

28. 28 Election Day Rules Poll Watchers The Watcher must take the oath and sign it. Poll Watchers are allowed to observe as long as they do not interfere with the Election Day process. Clearly announce the names of voters for the benefit of the Poll Watchers Only one Watcher may represent a candidate or issue at a time. The candidate or issue must appear on the ballot

29. 29 Election Day Rules Exit Polling Exit pollsters should abide by the 100-foot rule TV Cameras and Media Follow the procedures your county clerk has given you If a member of the media comes to the polling place, be sure to call the county clerk’s office

30. 30 Election Day Rules Absentee ballots Absentee ballots are ballots that a voter has requested by-mail prior to Election Day. You are not allowed to accept absentee ballots dropped off at the polling place. Redirect the voter to the County Clerk’s Office or other drop-off locations

31. 31 Voter Service (Customer Service) All Voters Voter is loud, shouting or otherwise creating a challenge Calmly remove the voter from the polling place You may ask another election judge to help If you can’t get help from another judge, calmly repeat the voter’s choices You may also walk with the voter to the door and suggest the voter contact the Elections office with additional questions Highly Recommended that you cover this information in your training. HAVA has made a big deal about access for people with disabilities. Your judges must be sensitive to voters needs – all voters needs.Highly Recommended that you cover this information in your training. HAVA has made a big deal about access for people with disabilities. Your judges must be sensitive to voters needs – all voters needs.

32. 32 Voter Service (Customer Service) Voters with Disabilities – Etiquette Use common sense and extend common courtesies to everyone Review the helpful tips in your handbook on pages 9 and 10. Highly Recommended that you cover this information in your training. HAVA has made a big deal about access for people with disabilities. Your judges must be sensitive to voters needs – all voters needs.Highly Recommended that you cover this information in your training. HAVA has made a big deal about access for people with disabilities. Your judges must be sensitive to voters needs – all voters needs.

33. 33 Voter Service (Customer Service) Assisting Voters with Disabilities Colorado law A voter has a legal right to assistance in voting if assistance is needed because of blindness other physical disability inability to read or write Review the helpful tips in your handbook. Highly Recommended that you cover this information in your training. HAVA has made a big deal about access for people with disabilities. Your judges must be sensitive to voters needs – all voters needs.Highly Recommended that you cover this information in your training. HAVA has made a big deal about access for people with disabilities. Your judges must be sensitive to voters needs – all voters needs.

34. 34 Voter Service (Customer Service) Voters with other Languages Be patient when you encounter a language or cultural barrier Voters are entitled to assistance with their ballot Review the helpful tips in your handbook. Highly Recommended that you cover this information in your training. HAVA has made a big deal about access for people with disabilities. Your judges must be sensitive to voters needs – all voters needs.Highly Recommended that you cover this information in your training. HAVA has made a big deal about access for people with disabilities. Your judges must be sensitive to voters needs – all voters needs.

35. 35 Emergency Procedures/Polling Place Security Before the Election Briefly discuss safety and security at the polling place on Election Day Identify situations that may pose a risk at your polling place Decide who will be responsible to grab the poll book/signature cards and the ballot box if you have to evacuate Remember: We talked about the importance of emergency procedures in Colorado Springs.Remember: We talked about the importance of emergency procedures in Colorado Springs.

36. 36 Emergency Procedures/Polling Place Security Throughout the Day Be alert and observant Communicate with those in charge of the polling place facilities if an emergency arises Remember: We talked about the importance of emergency procedures in Colorado Springs.Remember: We talked about the importance of emergency procedures in Colorado Springs.

37. 37 Emergency Procedures/Polling Place Security In an Emergency The safety of the election judges and the voter must always be the first priority Ensure that all voters and judges safely leave the building. Call 911 if there is a serious emergency Notify the Elections Office as soon as possible A ballot that is being voted at the time of an evacuation should be treated as a spoiled ballot Remember: We talked about the importance of emergency procedures in Colorado Springs.Remember: We talked about the importance of emergency procedures in Colorado Springs.

38. 38 Emergency Procedures/Polling Place Security If a Polling Place Has to Be Evacuated Judges may move a polling place if they cannot be located to another area of the building Judges shall post signs directing voters to the new polling place. If called upon, follow instructions given by the Elections Office or by local law enforcement Remember: We talked about the importance of emergency procedures in Colorado Springs.Remember: We talked about the importance of emergency procedures in Colorado Springs.

39. 39 Before Opening the Polls Judges should arrive at the poling place by 6:00 AM If you are unable to enter the building, notify the Elections Office. Judges must sign the following: Oath of Judges of Election. Payroll sheets Zero tapes Post Signs

40. 40 Before Opening the Polls

41. 41 Polling Place Set-Up

42. 42 Before Opening the Polls

43. 43 Supplies Checklist of Supplies    Forms—Judges   Oath of Judges Judge’s statement of ballots/return form q       Judge’s unofficial abstract of votes q       Judge payroll form q       Verification of telephone registration form q       Other __________________  

44. 44 Opening the Polls Before opening the polls, the judges shall open the ballot box in the presence of those assembled and turn it upside down so as to ensure it is empty. Then the ballot box should be locked and secured.   The judges shall announce at 7:00 a.m. that the polls are open

45. 45 Processing Voters

46. 46 Processing Voters Processing Voters/Troubleshooting

47. 47 Acceptable ID’s

48. 48 Acceptable ID’s

49. 49 Acceptable ID’s

50. 50 Acceptable ID’s

51. 51 Un-Acceptable ID’s These are NOT acceptable: Any approved items with address OUTSIDE Colorado. Social Security Number or Social Security Card.

52. 52 Challenges A challenge is an exception taken to a voter or vote at the polls as not being legally qualified or valid. A challenge must be made in the presence of the person being challenged. A challenge may be made by a judge, a watcher, or an eligible elector of the precinct. A challenge must be made by written oath and must include: The name of the person being challenged; The specific factual basis for the challenge; and The signature of the person making the challenge.

53. 53 Challenges Scenario 1: The voter satisfactorily answers the questions on the challenge form and the voter signs the form.

54. 54 Challenges Scenario 2: Voter Refuses to answer the challenge questions and/or refuses to sign the oath on the challenge form.

55. 55 Challenges Scenario 3: Voter refuses to answer the challenge questions and leaves the polling place.

56. 56 Provisional Ballots Nobody gets turned away from the polls without being offered a provisional ballot.

57. 57 ProvisionalBallots

58. 58 Provisional Ballots What if a voter comes to vote and has a receipt from a Voter Registration Drive or an Agency?

59. 59 Provisional Ballots In your handbook: Reasons to vote provisionally on page 25

60. 60 Closing the Polls At 6:30 p.m. announce in a loud and audible voice that the polls will close in 30 minutes. At 7:00 p.m. announce in a loud and audible voice that the polls are closed. If possible, lock the door behind the last voter in the door at 7:00 p.m. If the line extends out the door, be sure to have an Election Judge monitor the end of the line until you are able to lock the door.

61. 61 Closing the Polls Fill out the Statement of Ballots/Return Form. Complete and sign paperwork. Return supplies to the drop-off location

62. 62 Closing the Polls

63. 63 Other Helpful Sections Troubleshooting Voting Equipment Forms Index Glossary of Terms Notes Page

64. 64 Questions & Answers Thank You! Let’s talk about it!