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Wrapped our 1st day as poll observers in Nevada. So happy that we're doing this in place of our historical canvassing that COVID has prevented.
The volunteer job is to "observe and make suggestions on ways to improve" and "to ensure the integrity of the election process". 1/n
The volunteer job is to "observe and make suggestions on ways to improve" and "to ensure the integrity of the election process". 1/n
Poll observers are prohibited from speaking with voters or poll workers in the polling station. They can only speak with voters beyond 100ft of the station so that means tracking them down after they leave to ask them about any issues that were observed. 2/n
We use a mobile web site to record any issues observed and wait times each hour. There is also a text/phone hotline to contact for any major issues like intimidation, mass machine failures, etc. We didn't have to use the hotline at all and it seems that was true in all of LV. 3/n
Poll workers (diff than observers) are paid employees who help eligible voters complete the voting process at the polls. Let me just say that these workers are diligent, patient & have no agenda other than to ensure that everyone who is eligible absolutely gets to vote. 4/n
The polling station itself was incredibly well staffed, well maintained and well prepared for COVID. There were ~20 workers, 22 voting machines (one of out of service all day), 8 sign-in stations and an unlimited supply of PPE. 5/n
Machines and stations were cleaned between every voter. Common areas and surfaces were cleaned every 15 min. Safety of everyone was a clear priority. 6/n
There are a surprising number of reasons that the normal voting process might not be as a straightforward as a registered voter being able to check-in and vote without issue. Poll workers probably had to deal with "exceptions" to the ideal process about 20% of the time. 7/n
Each time it was clear that the only objective was doing everything possible to allow someone who came to the polls to vote. Workers took great pride in solving problems that enabled eligible voters to cast a ballot. And those moments were regularly celebrated by everyone. 8/n
"Exceptions" we saw that had to be addressed by workers for various reasons (each inspiring in their own right and each handled with aplomb) included an ex-felon in his 50s who was voting for the first time in his life (his wife videoed him leaving the station and cheered)... 9/n
...a Latino who had become a citizen on Friday, registered on Saturday and voted on Sunday; a young woman helping her non-English speaking mother vote and then voting herself in the first election for both of them.... 10/n
a woman with different residential and mailing addresses because of a recent divorce; etc. We only saw one person get turned away and he had just moved to NV, wasn't in the registration roll and didn't have any govt ID or any proof of residence like a utility or phone bill. 11/n
I'll also say that everyone who came to the polls deeply felt the desire to vote and took voting very seriously. People with "exceptions" waited patiently for issues to be resolved, sometimes for 60-90min. Voting at the machine itself took the avg voter at least 20 minutes. 12/n
But no one who came to the polls left without casting their ballot no matter the hassle or time it took. More than a few thanked the poll workers for their efforts and for helping navigate the process. And many expressed gratitude for having their voices heard this election. 13/n
I don't share all of this b/c 11 hours observing at the polls was a hoot but because my wife and I left with an even deeper appreciation for the democratic process and our fellow citizens. By no means is the voting process perfect, but it works. 14/n
The Nevadans we saw know that voting matters. With 15 days until Election Day please make a plan to vote. Vote early, in-person if you can or by mail. Ask your employers for the day off. Go vote in groups. Have your voice be heard so your future isn't decided for you. #Vote 
