I’ve done clerk at the polls for the general in 2020 and this last primary, clerk is easy, just making sure the print on demand system matches the voter in front of you. Boring, if truth be told. Now they want to promote me to inspector, which is “managing the voting center.” I don’t know if I really want to do this, but they need Independents to sign up. Anyone ever done the inspectors job?
Yup, three elections as an inspector (typically six or seven at a polling place), plus two as a chief inspector (one or two at each polling place).
Hard, long, tiring, important work. A key is to remember you’re part of a TEAM, so any little mistakes are done (and resolved) as a team, even if it feels like you made the little mistake as an individual (e.g., initially sealing the ballot bag after closing, before making sure it includes the disabled-accessible ballots).
As with anything, it gets easier each time (but no less tiring).
One pleasure is in helping new (usually young, or recently moved in) voters to register (our state has election-day registration). You must be rigorous in enforcing the rules (for acceptable ID and proof of residency), but it’s great to help expand the electorate in this way.
In my county each polling place has four “chief judges” who are jointly responsible for all aspects of election day administration. The teams usually consist of two Republican and two Dems.
It pays about 50% more than the worker bee positions but there is additional training involved and an already grueling 15 hour shift is made longer by set up and takedown duties and by transporting ballots and equipment back to HQ.
“Provisional judges” handle same day registrations and other instances where voters may not cast a regular ballot here in Maryland. That’s what I’ve done so far but I might give the chief judge position a shot if asked.
Be prepared, conflicts happen with knuckleheaded voters. But if you know and adhere to your state’s rules, you’ll get plenty of support. Sorry for running on.