ELECTION OBSERVERS

If you would like to be an observer for the next election, contact Emily Willoughby at 206-241-5885 or emilya57@comcast.net, (If you cannot reach me, contact Susan Sheary at 425.255-2679 or kcdcc1@gmail.com)

For the February 9, 2010 Special Election, observers are needed from January 25, 2009 through February 23, 2009. The location is 9010 E. Marginal Way S., Tukwila, WA. 09108 ,very near the Boeing Museum of Flight. Since special elections are usually less hectic than regular elections, this is a perfect time to become familiar with the operations, especially if you are interested in observing for the primary and general elections later this year.

Hours vary depending on the function being observed. The functions and hours are as follows:

• Ballot Delivery & Initial Processing 2nd Floor S (Flap removal, LD sort, signature verification, voter contact)
  • Jan. 25 till Feb. 11 - 6AM - 4PM
  • Feb. 12 till Feb. 23 - 8AM - 4 PM
• Opening (Opening ballots and determining which need duplication) 1st Floor N
  • Jan 27. Till Feb. 23 - 7:45 AM - 4 PM
• Duplication and Tabulation 1st Floor S
  • Jan. 28 - Feb. 24 - 8:30 AM - 4 PM
• Late functions
  • Feb. 9 - 4 PM- 10 PM 1 observer
  • Feb. 23 - 4 PM-10 PM 2 observers

Each political party is allowed a total of one (1) observer per function, (that means we are allowed three (3) observers, once all functions are in process). However one observer can observe all functions. So if you are the only observer for the time you are present, you can shift between functions and floors. If there is more than one observer for the Democrats, you will have to arrange which of you will cover each area if you want to shift around. You do not have to cover the entire time period, just let us know when you can observe so we will know and can let the folks at Elections know who to expect and when. So we can have more than 3 observers per day, but the maximum is 3 at a time, each in a separate capacity and location.

When you arrive, you will check in on the 1st floor, give your name, sign in and receive your badge. The badge opens the doors you are allowed to go through. Your badge must always be visible. You will also check your coat, purse, briefcase and other things you brought with you. Lunch goes in the refrigerators in the lunchroom. At some early point you will sign an Affidavit of Acknowledgment that you have received and read a copy of the Rules for Public Observers.

If you have any questions you can ask the person in charge of the function you are observing, or their second. Observers are NOT allowed to speak with the workers, if you have a question ask one of the people in charge of that function. They will explain what is happening. Also, do not touch anything, especially not a ballot. If you see one on the floor, report it to the person in charge of the area.

Generally election week is the busiest time and the time we want to make sure we are well covered. However, things are usually busy prior to election day, and then slow down after election week.

There are physically three areas to be observed, with multiple functions. In very simplified terms here is what occurs: (There is much counting and verification of numbers of ballots throughout the process.)

• When ballots arrive, the envelopes are deflapped.
• Deflapped envelopes are sorted by machine.
• Signatures are checked.
• Validly signed ballots are resorted into Legislative Districts and go on to Opening.
• Ballots whose signatures do not match are separated and the voter is contacted.
• Numbers of ballots are reconciled.
• Ballots are physically slit open by machine.
• Outer envelopes are removed, inner envelopes are opened and ballots are examined.
• Ballots are separated into those for scanning or for duplication and are transferred.
• Ballots for duplication are examined and sorted: canvass board, duplication, NA, & write in.
• After duplication, ballots are scanned.
• If necessary, ballots are electronically duplicated.
• On election day scanned results are tabulated.
• On subsequent days, additional ballots are scanned and tabulated.

In addition, whenever a cage is locked or unlocked, if observers (one per party) are present, they are asked to witness the process and sign the log book.

Please let us know if you are interested in observing democracy in action!