Contact your Political Party’s and or Candidates’ campaign office(s) and ask for the Get Out The Vote (GOTV) or Poll Greeter Coordinator to inquire about a poll greeter assignment.
What to Wear:
- Comfortable layers of clothing as the temperature will change throughout the day.
- Comfortable shoes, because you may be standing for long periods of time.
- Sunscreen, as there is little shade at polling places.
- Bottles of Water and snacks/energy bars
- Extra sunscreen, sunglasses, an umbrella (for shade and rain)
- A book, radio or MP3 player for when there is no voter traffic
- A cell phone (or locate a nearby payphone)
- A folding chair
- Handbook for Election Judges and Clerks
- Election Day phone numbers and web address
- Folding table for Candidate and Party literature
- Candidate and Party literature and signs
People happy to see you there; those who are hostile to you being there; and many people indifferent to you being there
- An election official, a hostile voter or someone from another party may question your presence. While this is rare, be prepared for anything. In addition, ALL greeters, signs and literature must be a specified distance from the entrance to the polling place.
- Voter traffic will fluctuate dramatically. Many tend to vote before or after work. Some arrive during their lunch break or after-school. Typically, there is a lower turnout during non-presidential election years.
- A long but satisfying day. You may leave with more energy than when you started because you made a huge difference.
- To project a positive, enthusiastic attitude;
- To give palm cards or other handouts; and
- To thank arriving people for voting, encourage them to vote for your party or particular candidates and ask if they have any last minute questions.
- Thank departing people for voting too.
- Say “Thank you for voting today, and please vote for these great candidates.”
- If you are alone, do not encage in lengthy discussions of the issues/candidates with people that want to talk. Direct them to the Hospitality Table that you set up that has candidate and or party literature.
- Position yourself next to the main pathway into the polling place, but do not block it. Always make sure you are outside the restricted area.
- Keep smiling, even in the face of hostile people. Remember that you are making a positive difference and there are lot more people grateful that you are there. Your calm and polite response to a hostile voter creates a positive impression of both you and the party.
