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- …to help you become aware of your general responsibilities as poll
workers and the importance of your role to the election process.
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- Ensure equal, non-discriminatory access to the election process for all
voters;
- Ensure fair and uniform treatment of all voters;
- Eliminate any practices at the polls that might be perceived as
intimidating to any voter;
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- Ensure full access for all voters;
- Protect the rights of others;
- Ensure the integrity, both perceived and actual, at the polling place.
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- Read and write the English language;
- Be a registered voter in the county in which you serve;
- Not be named as an opposed candidate for any office; and
- Take an oath to perform your duties according to the law.
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- Serve all voters promptly and courteously;
- Not turn voters away without an effective and accurate resolution to
their voting problems.
- Have reliable transportation to the polling place to which you are
assigned;
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- Be alert and able to help voters;
- Be a team player;
- Study your training manuals, check web site for this presentation; and
- Follow Florida law in fulfilling your duties and responsibilities.
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- Clerks: a minimum of 3 hours
- Inspectors: a minimum of 2 hours
- All poll workers: 1 hour of etiquette and sensitivity training
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- It is illegal to conduct an election in any way that benefits or favors
one or more candidates.
- Violating state or federal law
- may result in criminal charges.
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- Destroy, remove, alter, or mark ballots.
- Campaign, distribute campaign literature, or permit campaign literature
to be present or anyone to electioneer at the polls.
- Commit or knowingly permit fraud of any kind.
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- Threaten or intimidate voters or allow them to be intimidated.
- Knowingly permit an unqualified voter to vote, or permit someone to vote
more than once.
- Intentionally make or attempt to make a false canvass of the ballots, or
make a false statement of the result of the canvass.
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- Communicate with others regarding someone’s vote, or look at a voted
ballot.
- Enter a voting booth with a voter, unless the voter requests assistance.
- Destroy or alter the list of voters, the precinct register, challenges
or affidavits.
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- Induce a voter to vote in a certain way, reveal his or her vote, or keep
a record of anything occurring in the voting booth.
- Knowingly deny a qualified voter the right to cast his or her vote.
- Administer the election on different terms for different racial groups,
even without the intention to discriminate.
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- Discuss candidates or issues during your work time at the polls.
- Jeopardize the privacy of voters or their choices on Election Day or
early voting days.
- Wear politically oriented campaign buttons, T-shirts, or any other items
with political messages.
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- Bring any politically oriented reading material into the polling place.
- Request, suggest, or seek to persuade any voter to vote for any
particular candidate or issue.
- Take pictures or video or allow others to take photos of any kind inside
the polling place. Unless approved by the Supervisor of Elections.
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- Answer any questions the voter may ask to help them decide who or what
to vote for.
- Look at a voter’s voted ballot.
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- Make comments or facial or hand expressions concerning voters’
conversations or comments regarding how they will vote, how they voted,
or their opinions about the candidates or issues.
- React to or make comments about a voter’s request to change parties.
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- Be aware that safety is a priority;
- Perform their work in a safe manner;
- Be concerned with the safety and welfare of others around them; and
- Use common sense.
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- Do not wear distracting jewelry or watches to the polling place.
- Leave extra cash and credit cards at home.
- Take only what you need to the polling place.
- Find a safe place for your purse or other valuable belongings.
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- Politically oriented items.
- Radios, televisions, or laptop computers.
- Children or pets. Unless you have made arraignments to care for them as
not to interfere with voters or the voting process.
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- Food and drink for the day.
- Any medication you may need to take while you are working at the polling
place.
- A sweater or light jacket as temperatures may vary inside the polling
place.
- A pillow or cushion for your chair.
- Training and reference materials.
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- Be well-groomed, modest, and neat.
- Be dressed in clean and comfortable clothes.
- Avoid written messages on T-shirts that could be offensive.
- Wear a nametag.
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- You should vote by absentee or during early voting.
- If you are assigned to your home precinct, you may arrange with the
clerk a time to vote.
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- Be attentive to the voter and his or her need to cast a ballot that will
be counted;
- Be aware of any problems, safety issues,
or needs of the precinct team and voters;
- Ensure that the election laws of Florida are carried out at your
precinct;
- Be of service to the voters and your precinct team;
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- Know your duties, tasks and proper procedures;
- Know how to deal with conflict;
- Remember you are an essential link between the voter and the voter’s
participation in the election process; and
- Know your precinct.
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- … to allow poll workers to understand the election team and their part
in the team effort to conduct a fair, just, and accurate election.
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- Appointing other local elections officials;
- Administering voter registration;
- Administering absentee voting;
- Administering early voting;
- Conducting poll worker training;
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- Distributing election materials to each precinct. Responsible for
complying with all federal, state, and local election laws, procedures
and policies; and
- Serving as the final authority for poll workers on Election Day on
issues of election administration, procedures, and questions of voter
eligibility.
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- Consists of poll workers who serve as clerks and inspectors in each
precinct.
- Is established by the Supervisor of Elections prior to any election.
- Is charged with setting up the polling place and conducting the voting.
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- Are responsible for seeing that the Election Board carries out its
duties;
- Are responsible for the completion of all affidavits and paperwork;
- Make sure that eligible poll workers have the opportunity to vote;
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- Assist inspectors;
- Report regularly to the elections office when requested; and
- Must have a minimum of 3 hours of training.
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- Take the oath.
- Administer the oath to all Election Board members before 7:00 a.m.
- Check for complete delivery of all voting equipment and supplies.
- Check for correct precinct numbers on all voting equipment, signs and
ballots.
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- Review poll worker assignments.
- Call the Supervisor of Elections office if any of the poll workers
assigned have not shown up by the designated time.
- If needed, follow procedures for replacement workers.
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- Have all poll workers sign the payroll sheet.
- Assist with pre-election setup of the polling place.
- Post all signs inside the polling place.
- Test electrical outlets and phone lines.
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- Make sure a member of the election board regularly examines the face of
the voting device and the ballot information.
- Make sure that precinct registers are staffed at all times.
- Make sure that the polling room remains free of campaign literature,
sample ballots, etc.
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- Report to the precinct at the designated time, 6:00 A.M.
- Take the oath.
- Set up required signs and information inside the polling place.
- Assist with pre-election setup of the polling place.
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- Do not show partiality to any political party or candidate.
- Make sure that the voting equipment is attended at all times.
- Ask voters to verify voter registration information.
- Help close the polls.
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- An individual hired by the Supervisor of Elections to maintain law and order outside the
polling place.
- Must follow the lawful commands of the clerk.
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- Report to assigned polling place at the designated time.
- Sign payroll sheet.
- Remain outside the voting area and stay alert to all circumstances
surrounding the polling location.
- Enter the building only with the consent of the Clerk.
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- Be pleasant and courteous at all times.
- Assist voters into the polling room.
- Never send a voter away for any reason.
- Maintain order and enforce the 100-foot, no-solicitation boundary.
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- Arrange breaks with the Clerk.
- Regulate the number of voters admitted to the polling room, if
necessary.
- Summon assistance from bystanders, if possible, when necessary to
maintain peace and order at the polls.
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- Stand at the end of the voting line at 7:00 p.m. when the clerk declares
the polls are closed.
- Allow anyone in line at 7:00 p.m. to vote.
- Do not allow any one who is not in line at 7:00 p.m. when the polls
close to vote.
- Do not handle the ballots, unless assigned to assist the clerk.
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- … to allow poll workers to understand the legal parameters and roles of
voters and other participants in the election process.
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- U.S. citizen;
- Florida resident;
- 18 years of age on or before the election
- Legal resident of the county in which he or she seeks to be registered;
and
- Be a legal resident of the city in which he or she seeks to be
registered.
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- Voters who cannot read or write, or are blind or otherwise disabled have
the right to request assistance with voting.
- Any voter has the right to receive a demonstration on using the voting
equipment.
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- To be filed by voter and person assisting voter. If the voter has not
registered as needing assistance.
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- Poll workers.
- The Supervisor of Elections or representative of the elections office.
- Poll watchers approved by the Supervisor of Elections.
- Election observers appointed by the state.
- Voters.
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- Persons caring for or assisting a voter.
- Law enforcement or emergency personnel with permission of the Clerk or
the majority of the Election Board.
- The public if the polling room is in a commonly used area. To pass
through in order to move to another location in the building.
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- May observe the voter check-in process.
- May enter challenges to voters.
- May not obstruct the conduct of the election.
- May not interact with voters.
- Should pose any questions or concerns that they may have to the clerk.
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- Make certain that no voters feel that they are being watched for whom or
what they vote.
- Not allow voters to be delayed by the poll watchers.
- Notify the Supervisor of Elections office if a poll watcher abuses a
voter’s rights.
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- Give their name to the clerk for verification.
- Be allowed within the polling room to observe.
- Be allowed to inspect the precinct registers.
- Inform the clerk if they wish to challenge a voter’s right to vote.
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- Examine the voting machine when it is not in use.
- Be given information about who has voted.
- Be present at poll closing, ballot accounting and reconciliation.
- Inform the clerk if they see or hear anything that does not comply with
election laws.
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- Walk around the voting area.
- Participate in any manner in the conduct of the election.
- Remove any materials from the precinct register or any materials that
are under the direction and control of the Supervisor of Elections.
- Electioneer within 100 feet of the polling place.
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- Volunteer to help electors who need assistance to vote.
- Use the precinct phone.
- Wear or display any campaign materials.
- Obstruct the orderly conduct of any election.
- Come closer to the officials’ table or the voting booths than is
reasonably necessary.
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- … to allow poll workers to know how to properly open the polls.
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- Poll workers are present at the polling site.
- If necessary, request replacement workers.
- Review poll worker assignments.
- Check and distribute supplies.
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- Arrange voting equipment, voting booths, tables and chairs.
- Test electrical outlets and telephone lines.
- Synchronize watches and clocks. Use the time on the AccuVote to set your
watch.
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- Be sure placement of the voting booths safeguards voter privacy.
- Check paths to be sure that people will not walk back and forth from one
table to another or to the voting booths.
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- Polling place must be accessible.
- Polling place must have at least one voting booth designed to be used by
voters who are sitting.
- Sufficient lighting must be set up along an accessible path and within
the polling place.
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- Tables should be arranged to provide poll workers with room to sit and
have enough space to check voter eligibility.
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- Precinct registers should be placed on the tables in alphabetical order
with enough room to allow inspectors to work.
- Pens should be placed near each precinct register to allow voters to
comfortably sign their name.
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- Voters who requested an absentee ballot after the precinct register was
printed were created.
- Voters who voted early after the precinct registers were printed.
- Voters who moved into or out of a precinct after the precinct registers
were printed.
- Pre-challenged voters.
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- Updates on election.
- Withdrawn candidates.
- Changes in amendments.
- Court orders.
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- Do not overload outlets.
- Make sure all poll workers are aware of the location of emergency exits
and telephones.
- Make sure that all poll workers know to call 911 and the Supervisor of
Elections office in emergencies.
- Make sure floors are level, firm, stable, and slip-resistant.
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- Two sample ballots
- Two Instructions to Voter posters
- Voter’s Bill of Rights and Responsibilities poster
- Voter fraud notice
- Constitutional amendments or issues if needed
- Notices both English and Spanish must be posted.
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- Open the doors at 7:00 a.m.
- Make sure all poll workers are in their assigned locations before the
doors open
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80
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- … to allow poll workers to know the proper procedures for determining if
a voter is eligible to vote and properly processing the voter so that he
or she may vote.
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81
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- Greet voters courteously and cheerfully.
- Give voters your full attention.
- Remember that you are a public servant.
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82
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- Ask the voter’s name and request identification.
- Verify the voter’s address as it appears in the precinct register.
- Have the voter sign in the space provided in the precinct register.
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83
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- Florida driver’s license
- I.D. card issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
- U.S. Passport
- Employer badge or identification card
- Buyer’s club I.D. card (Costco, Sam’s, Price Club, etc.)
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- Debit/credit cards
- Military I.D.
- Student I.D.
- Retirement center I.D.
- Public assistance I.D.
- Neighborhood association I.D.
- As long as the above listed identification has a photo of the voter.
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85
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- Recheck for name variations.
- Check precinct register updates.
- Ask the voter if his or her name has changed.
- Voter’s former name appears in the precinct register or electronic
database:
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86
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- This form may be used to change a voters address or name. This is also
referred to as an affirmation.
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87
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- If the voter’s address is different from what is on the precinct
register:
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88
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- If the voter has moved inside your precinct, complete the blue change
form, or the VR application form and allow the voter to vote.
- If the voter has moved outside your precinct, complete the blue change
form, or the VR application and direct the voter to the proper precinct.
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89
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90
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- Send to Clerk. Update voters
address. Voter may not vote until address conflict is resolved.
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91
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92
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93
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- Direct the voter to sign the precinct register.
- Compare the voter’s signature with the signature in the precinct
register.
- If the signature does not match, have the voter sign the affidavit where
signature is different.
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95
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- If the voter is in the proper precinct,
- AND
- If the voter has the proper identification,
- AND
- The inspector is satisfied the person
- is entitled to vote,
- THEN
- The voter may continue the voting process.
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96
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- The voter should be issued an Audit Slip. O/S or T/S slip.
- The voter should be given an explanation about the procedures for
voting.
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97
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98
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- O/S voters are provided with their ballot, instructed on how to vote
their ballot, and directed to a voting
booth.
- T/S Voters are provided with a voter access card and directed to the T/S
Clerk.
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100
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101
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102
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103
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- … to allow poll workers to know the proper procedures of how to handle
special situations when the normal processing of a voter presents
questions and complexities.
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104
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- If the register indicates that the voter has voted, call the elections office to see if
the voter’s absentee ballot was received and opened.
- If the status of the voter’s absentee ballot cannot be verified or if
the voter challenges the status, allow the voter to vote a provisional
ballot.
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105
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- If the voter has an absentee ballot, the voter must surrender the
absentee ballot to the clerk to be permitted to vote at the precinct.
- Voted absentee ballots that the voter wants to have counted may not be
dropped at any precinct.
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106
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- If the voter does not have the
ballot, call the election office.
- If the voters ballot has not been received by the election office,
inform the Deputy SOE that you are going to allow the voter to vote at
the polling place.
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107
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- If the voter believes that he or she did not vote at an early voting
site, call the Elections office to verify.
- If the voter’s status cannot be verified or if the voter challenges the
status, allow the voter to vote a provisional ballot.
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108
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- The person challenging a voter must complete a written oath outlining
the reasons why the voter should not be allowed to vote.
- The person challenging the voter gives the completed oath to the poll
worker.
- The Clerk then signs and dates the oath.
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109
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- The poll worker gives a copy of the completed oath to the person being
challenged.
- Any elector or poll watcher may challenge the right of any voter to vote
not sooner than 30 days before an election by filing a completed copy of
the oath with the Supervisor of Elections office.
- The challenged voter, whether challenged at the polling place or prior
to Election Day, shall be permitted to cast a provisional ballot.
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110
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111
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- A voter is allowed up to three ballots total, including the original
ballot.
- A voter may NOT receive another ballot after his or her ballot has been
counted, even if the voter indicates he or she made a mistake while
voting.
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112
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- Notify the Election Office and Document the incident.
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113
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- T/S if the intent of the voter was to cast the ballot, the T/S Clerk, with
the Poll Clerk as a witness, will cast the ballot.
- If the voter was clear in that they did not want to cast their ballot,
cancel the ballot.
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114
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- O/S-If it is clear that the voter wanted to cast their ballot, the
AccuVote Clerk, with the Poll
Clerk as a witness, will push the ballot through the AccuVote.
- If the voter expressed that they did not want to cast their ballot,
spoil the ballot.
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115
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- Advise the voter that it is against the law to take a ballot from a
polling place.
- Explain to the voter that the ballot can be “spoiled” if the voter does
not wish to have it counted.
- If the voter leaves with the ballot, document the removal, call the
Election Office. 104.20 Misd. 1st degree.
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116
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117
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- Unlawful deprivation of voting rights.
- Voter intimidation inside the polls.
- Voter intimidation outside the polls.
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118
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- Notify the clerk.
- Allow the voter to vote a provisional ballot.
- If you allow any voter to vote without providing proper Identification, you
are in violation of Florida Law.
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119
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- A voter whose name is in the precinct register, but:
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120
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121
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- A voter whose name is not in the precinct register, and:
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122
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- A person whose signature differs from that in the poll register, and the person refuses to complete the
affidavit.
- A voter whose identity is in question based on the photo identification
provided.
- A challenged voter.
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123
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- Remind voters that a provisional ballot will be counted only if:
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124
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- Procedures to follow to properly assist voters who are required to vote
a provisional ballot.
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125
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- Topic 7 Does not pertain to Municipal Elections
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126
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127
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- … to allow poll workers to know how to properly close the polls.
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128
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- The clerk or other designated elections official shall announce that the
polls are closed.
- The poll deputy stands at the end of the line to establish a
cut-off point.
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129
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- All eligible voters who are standing in line at the polling place at
7:00 p.m. are allowed to vote.
- Once all voters have voted, then the Election Board must secure the
voting device so that no more ballots may be cast.
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130
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- Take down the signs, the display boards, easels and other materials.
- Neatly pack the supply box.
- Rearrange tables and chairs as you found them.
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131
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- Leave the polling room and outside area neat, clean and in order.
- Follow specific instructions for lights, air conditioning/heating, and
door keys.
- Lock the doors when leaving.
- Do not leave anyone alone at the polling place.
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132
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- Ballot Accounting.
- Anyone in the public may watch the proceedings of the election board
after all voters have finished voting.
- Do not allow anyone to pressure you for results, interfere in any
manner, or touch any ballot or ballot container or interfere with the
counting of ballots.
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133
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- After the polls have closed, the election board will then verify the number
of voted ballots, unused ballots, provisional ballots, and spoiled
ballots to make sure that the number of those ballots corresponds with
the number of ballots issued by the Supervisor of Elections. The number
of T/ S voters will be added to the total number of O.S voters to
balance the precinct.
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134
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- If there is a difference, the clerk shall report such difference to the
election office, with the reason, if known, at the time they turn in the
AccuVote.
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135
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- Touch Screen---Write in votes are printed on the final total tape.
The election office will check the tapes for the write in votes.
- Optical Scan---Ballots that have write in votes will automatically be
out stacked to the center compartment of the ballot box.
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136
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- At the close of polls, remove the ballots from the center compartment,
and place them in the folder provided for write in ballots.
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137
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- Allow anyone to pressure you for results.
- Allow anyone to interfere with the closing of the polls in any manner.
- Allow anyone to interfere with the counting of the ballots.
- Allow anyone who is not part of the
Election Board to touch any ballot or voting device.
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138
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- The polls must be announced as closed.
- All voters in line must have voted.
- The voting equipment must be locked against further voting.
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139
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140
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- Equipment malfunctions and steps taken to correct these malfunctions;
- Staffing shortages or procedure violations;
- Problems with ballot count;
- Irate voters who caused disruptions.
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141
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- You will be notified by the elections office if extended hours are
ordered.
- If voting hours are extended past 7:00 p.m.:
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142
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143
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144
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- … to allow poll workers to be prepared to resolve conflicts that may
arise on Election Day or early voting days.
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145
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- Consciously Choose Positive Thoughts.
- 2. Say the Right Words.
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146
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- Use positive phrases such as:
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147
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- 3. Be Aware of Nonverbal
Communication.
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148
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- Stay calm.
- Establish eye contact.
- Keep your voice down.
- Keep your body language non-threatening.
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149
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- Show concern using your facial expressions, posture, and tone of voice.
- Listen to and acknowledge what the voter is telling you.
- Allow at least 2 to 3 feet between you and the voter.
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150
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- If the voter is disturbing others, ask him or her to step to another
area.
- Let the voter know that you want to help them.
- Use the person’s name.
- Ask questions.
- Be polite.
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151
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- Deal with the voter’s feelings.
- If necessary, ask the clerk or poll deputy to assist you.
- Deal directly with the voter’s issue.
- Share information with the clerk or with the Supervisor of Elections
office.
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152
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- If you cannot do exactly what the voter wants, offer a choice or explain
what you are able to do.
- Explain what you are going to do and how long it will take.
- Reassure the voter that you will work with him or her to solve the
problem.
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153
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- Vote and have their vote accurately counted.
- Cast a vote, if they are in line at the official closing of the polls.
- Ask for and receive assistance in voting.
- Receive up to two replacement ballots, if they make a mistake prior to
the ballot being cast.
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154
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- Receive an explanation, if their registration or identity is in
question.
- Cast a provisional ballot if their registration is in question.
- Receive written instructions to use when voting, and, upon request, oral
instructions in voting from election officers.
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155
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- Vote free from coercion or intimidation by election officers or any
other person.
- Vote on a voting system that is in working condition and that will allow
votes to be accurately cast.
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156
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- Familiarize themselves with the candidates and issues and the voting
equipment.
- Maintain, with the office of the Supervisor of Elections, a current
address.
- Know the location of their polling place and its hours of operation.
- Bring proper identification to the polling station.
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157
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- Treat precinct workers with courtesy.
- Respect the privacy of others.
- Report any problems or violations of election laws to the Supervisor of
Elections.
- Ask questions, if needed.
- Make sure that their completed ballot is correct before leaving the
polling station.
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158
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159
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- … to allow poll workers to understand sensitive and effective ways to
serve voters with special needs.
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160
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- One or more signed accessible parking spaces for disabled persons (for
polling places that provide parking spaces for voters);
- Signage identifying an accessible path of travel to the polling place;
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161
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- An unobstructed path of travel to the polling place;
- Level, firm, stable, and slip resistant surfaces;
- An unobstructed area for voting;
- Sufficient lighting along the accessible path of travel and within the
polling place.
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162
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- Any voter who requests assistance is entitled to receive it.
- You should never ask a voter WHY they need help. It is Federal Law.
- Part of your responsibility is to ensure that voters know they are
allowed to receive assistance.
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163
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- Determine if the Declaration to Secure Assistance is on file.
- Have the voter complete the form prior to voting if necessary.
- The voter may have a person of his or her own choosing provide
assistance.
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164
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- Focus on the voter, not the voter’s disability.
- Before you act to offer assistance, ask the person how best to help
them.
- Be considerate of the extra time it might take for a person with
disability to vote.
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165
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- Give attention to a person who has difficulty speaking.
- Speak calmly, slowly and directly to the voter.
- Include people with disabilities in any conversation or activity you may
be engaged in within their vicinity.
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166
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- Focus on the individual in your language:
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167
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- Realize that many people with disabilities may not like jargon such as
“differently abled.”
- Do not use “they” or “them” to refer to people with special needs.
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168
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- Ask first if the person with a disability wants help, then ask how you
can best help.
- Respect the personal space of a person with a disability.
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169
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- Be aware that people in wheelchairs have different levels of ability.
- Do not lean across a wheelchair.
- Never set anything personal, like a drink, on the tray table that may be
attached to some wheelchairs.
- Do not touch or pull a person’s wheelchair, cane, or other device
without their permission.
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170
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- Make sure there are clear paths in the polling room for wheelchairs.
- Stand at a distance or sit so a person in a wheelchair does not have to
strain to make eye contact.
- Make sure ramps provide the closest accessibility to the polling place.
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171
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- Make sure ramps, doorways and hallways are not obstructed.
- Be aware of the reaching limits of people in wheelchairs.
- Step around a high counter or table to conduct your business with a
person in a wheelchair.
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172
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- Identify yourself and others who may be with you.
- Acknowledge if you are entering or leaving a room.
- Be prepared to offer assistance in orienting the individual to the room
and objects within it.
- Be prepared to offer the voter assistance in reading.
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173
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- Let the individual take your arm if you are to lead.
- Provide a guiding device such as a ruler or card to help with signing
forms.
- Be specific and non-visual with directions.
- Offer magnifying sheets for visually impaired voters.
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174
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- Do not automatically assume that a voter with a service animal is blind.
- Do not pet the animal.
- Excuse yourself and move away from the service animal if it makes you
uncomfortable.
- Should someone complain, explain that federal and state laws protect the
rights of individuals with disabilities to be accompanied by service
animals.
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175
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- Speak clearly.
- Keep your face, especially your mouth, unobstructed.
- If you speak through an interpreter, face the voter who is deaf when you
speak.
- Listen attentively.
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176
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- Do not finish sentences for the person.
- If you do not understand the person, do not pretend that you do.
- You may find it helpful to communicate in gestures or writing.
- To get the attention of someone who is deaf, gently tap his or her
shoulder.
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177
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- Be patient.
- Speak slowly.
- Do not “talk down.”
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178
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- Talk to the individual, not the interpreter.
- Avoid long, complex sentences.
- Pause more frequently than normal.
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179
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- Watch to make sure the interpreter is keeping up with you.
- Only interrupt the interpreter when absolutely necessary.
- Avoid excessive gestures and body language.
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180
|
|
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181
|
- … to allow poll workers to be prepared for many of the possible
emergency situations that may occur during Election Day or early voting
days.
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182
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- Call 911.
- Call the Supervisor of Elections office.
- Call the building/facility owner or manager.
- Determine whether it is necessary to vacate the building.
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183
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- Aid the Supervisor of Elections in determining if it is possible to move
the machines, signage, supplies, etc., to permit voting to continue.
- If evacuation is necessary, the clerk, with help from the poll deputy
and emergency personnel, must make sure everyone leaves safely.
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184
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- If evacuation is necessary and there is no imminent danger, the clerk
should:
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185
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