Election

[kmusser]

I'm going to be working the election tomorrow so you're getting your reminder to go vote today. Also I've seen the video your vote and twitter your vote memes going around - please don't. At least in Maryland using electronic devices in the polling place is illegal^*. Be kind to your election judges, we're going to be busy enough as it is without having to harass you about turning your cell phone off.

^{* excepting the voting machines themselves or if you a member of the media with a board of elections seal of approval.}

Comments

[kestrel127.livejournal.com]

Or wear your Obama is awesome shirt. That's illegal in DC & VA as it's 'influencing the voters.'

[kmusser]

that actually is ok in Maryland, as long as you don't loiter around the polling place.

[odilla.livejournal.com]

I, too, am an election official - in VA

People are allowed to use thier cell phones, as long as they aren't talking on them...
Texting is Okay
Everything must then be off once they sign in and get thier ballet.

It's going to be crazy, that's for sure!

[kestrel127.livejournal.com]

Huh. I mean, if you wanted to wear a "McCain rocks" T-shirt around non-polling places in DC & VA, you'd be good, but not actually at the polls.

[kmusser]

I would think wearing a "McCain rocks" T-shirt in DC would be somewhat hazardous :-)

[keetara.livejournal.com]

Quick question... I don't know where to find the answer, so I'm turning to you.

In Maryland, is it possible to a) either get a receipt from the polling machine that tells me what it recorded as my vote, or b) use a paper ballot? And if I do use a paper ballot, will it actually be counted with the main vote, or only if things are close?

Okay, sorry, 2 questions.

Hugs and Thanks for doing this job!

[kmusser]

a) No. The Maryland machines do have a internal paper record, but you don't get to see it.

b) Not really - if you insist on a paper ballot the judge will give you one, but if you were eligible to vote on the machine and don't then your paper ballot won't get counted at all.

The only way to voluntarily vote on a paper ballot and have it count is to vote absentee. It's too late to vote absentee via mail, but you can still do so today in person by going into whatever your local election board office is - details are at http://www.elections.state.md.us/voting/late_absentee_ballot.html.