Under Construction
Chapter 12 The Central Counting Facility
D. Before the Count Begins, First Day
The routine for the first day of counting at the Central Counting Facility, is practically the same as the before the polls open on election day
- Poll watcher duties in precinct before the polls open, in general order of importance:
- Present Your Credentials
- Examine The Ballot Box
- Witness the Testing of the Vote Tabulator
(This takes place before examining the ballot box, but examining the ballot box is the more important action.) - Create a A List of election workers & their stated party affiliation
- Find A Chair
Where You Sit, Central County Facility
If you are told where to sit, graciously take the seat offered. Then, choose to move, as needed.
From where you sit, you must be able to see the ballot box/vote tabulator.
You should also have a clear view of all proceedings. If the work is being done a a table, sit at that table no matter who tells you not to. "At all times" is a powerful indicator of your obligation.
Try to stay at least an arm's length away from any ballots. Poll watchers are not allowed to touch ballots or equipment. Remaining an arm's length away from ballots is not in any statute but is done out of politeness. Election workers have enough to do with out keeping their eye on poll watchers.
Stay out of the way of the election workers. This, also, is not in the statutes but act of politeness.
We realize that the optimal position would have the poll watcher swinging from a harness, 3 feet above the table, but you may have to be fully able to see what is going on while remaining out of people's way.