Rhode Island has two elections coming up, a Primary (September 10) and the General Election (November 5), and voting in them is the basic right and responsibility of all Rhode Island citizens. African Americans alive today, however, can remember places in America where guessing correctly the number of jelly beans in a jar determined whether or not you would get a ballot to vote. Voting was weighed against being subjected to threats and acts of violence. At one time, ballots in RI were in English only, no Braille ballots for visually impaired voters, formerly incarcerated people could not vote, straight party ballots elected the slate of party candidates, regardless of candidate choices, and write-in candidates were not allowed. The cornerstone of voter suppression is to make voting inconvenient, inaccessible, and subjective.
Though the jelly bean jar is gone, other tactics have taken their place: polling places or drop-off boxes can be eliminated or made difficult to reach, waiting in line to vote can stretch into hours, the collection of registrations can be a multi-step process or even restricted, a specific kind of ID can be required, and, if you have moved, you need to be familiar with different rules.
Poll Workers Make The Magic Happen
Voters think far more about whom they are voting for than the state laws or the people who are running the election. Election day is one of the few days of the year when most take for granted the wheels of democracy will run smoothly and effortlessly. Nothing short of a catastrophic event can impede anyone’s right to vote. And on election days, the cornerstone of a well-managed and legally compliant election day begins with a sufficient number of voting locations and poll workers to staff the electoral process.
Elections are run by states, not the federal government so the “rules” vary from state to state. At a time when we hear a lot of talk about “fair” elections and efforts to challenge voters, it is Rhode Island poll workers who protect the rights of each voter to cast their vote. Poll workers ensure voters are eligible to vote, vote in the correct location and have equal access to cast their vote regardless of language spoken, physical ability, personal identity, social status and their zip code of residence.
The Providence Board of Canvassers is currently in full preparation to manage the upcoming elections. They must provide in-person voting locations that are convenient to reach, physically accessible, and safe, while assuring that every vote is managed properly and efficiently. Voters can use mail ballots, vote early at City Hall, or vote in person at their polling place. Each of those options is a reminder that as a nation, voting enables people, not the powerful, to determine by whom and how our communities are governed.
So, who makes so many important decisions on the ground, throughout election day? Ordinary citizens do the job, people who cherish the values of our democracy. People who want to ensure that every vote is counted, one by one, with no exception, no error nor duplication. People who work to ensure voting is free of harassment, intimidation, hardship or personal risk. Those are our poll workers, the engine of order and access, we rely upon on every election day. Dana Holmgren, who helps out with early voting, says, “I like participating in the practice of democracy. I feel like I’m contributing in a small way; it seems like the least I can do.”
Time to Step Up
Throughout the state, the need for poll workers is ever growing. During the pandemic, the number of regular poll workers declined significantly. While voter education and voter registration remain widely promoted, working the polls has seen less attention. Yes, register to vote. Yes, please vote. And yes, consider becoming a poll worker.
Statewide, the requirements and instructions to become a poll worker are fairly short and simple: you must be a registered voter in Rhode Island, able to read the RI Constitution in English and able to write your own name. You must be able to work without leaving the polling station from 6 am until 8 pm, arrive on time and have your own transportation to your assigned polling location. It’s great if you have bi-lingual skills, lots of patience, are self-directed and a winning smile is always a plus! Unfortunately, because of the Hatch Act, municipal employees cannot serve as Poll Workers during a Primary election.
In Providence, on primary day, September 10, the Board of Canvassers must staff over 50 polling locations. During the General Election on November 5, that number increases to 60+ polling locations and by law, each polling location must have a minimum of four poll workers: Warden/Moderator (responsible for the overall polling site), Clerk (accounts for all ballots and reports), Supervisor (responsible for voter sign-in) and Greeter (Directs voters to the proper poll or line). Poll worker training is mandatory and scheduled to accommodate most schedules and every effort is made to accommodate any special needs an applicant may require. In Providence, compensation ranges from $225 to $250 per day, depending upon the poll worker position.
Poll workers have become visible in national politics as the procedures involved with voting become contested and subject to partisanship in various states. Help keep Rhode Island out of that news and consider becoming a poll worker in time for this fall’s elections. Support the smooth operation of democracy’s foundation, the right to vote. As Terrell Osborne, a long-time poll worker, explained why he works the polls, “Justice! Equality! Helping people do the right thing.”
Important Dates for the Primary Election September 10
Deadline to register in person, by mail, and online: Sunday, August 11
Deadline to request mail-in ballot: Tuesday, August 20
First day you can vote early in person: Wednesday, August 21
Last day to vote early in person: Monday, September 9
Helpful References
Voter Registration/Registration Status: https://vote.sos.ri.gov/Home/RegistertoVote
Know Your Voter Rights: https://vote.sos.ri.gov/Voter/VoterRights#top
Rochelle Lee has more than three decades of experience in the nonprofit community development and housing sectors and has assumed numerous leadership roles on local Boards and Commissions. She currently serves as the Commissioner on the Providence Board of Canvassers and is committed to promoting voter and civic education in underrepresented and working poor neighborhoods. She is a long time resident of Elmwood.
