DCCAN:  What Remains (11/21/08)

Many of you are certainly busy with exams, papers, and end-of-the-semester projects.  Before we scatter to parts far away, I want to take a moment to collectively reflect on what you accomplished in the midst of the frenzy of the general election and a busy semester. 

Think about what you did as DCCAN participants:

• You answered the call to get involved.
• You read about fair elections and the voting process.
• You encouraged your friends and fellow students to join DCCAN.
• You registered to vote in Dutchess County.
• When there was a problem with voter registration in this county, you took action by writing letters to editors of local newspapers, organized rallies, and contacted the Board of Elections with your concerns.
• You gave extra hours of your time to attend trainings off campus.
• You woke up early on November 4th, traveled to places unknown, sat with strangers all day, and helped to assure that people living throughout Dutchess County had a chance to vote that day.  You helped by answering questions and maybe by offering a smile.  You stayed behind the scenes and answered phone calls from poll workers to make sure that their concerns were passed on to the Board of Elections, or just to offer the sound of a friendly reassuring voice on the other end.
• You Twittered and texted your friends.
• You made new friends with folks at different stations in life and from different learning institutions.

Because of you, something really wonderful happened right here in Dutchess County.  You helped to bring change to this area in a meaningful way.  You helped to raise the number of newly registered voters in the area.  You became an ambassador for your college and for DCCAN in the county.  You brought a new face to poll working and helped to raise awareness about the need to enhance the administration of elections by bringing in younger people.

For many of you, this experience may have been satisfying enough for a lifetime.  For others, it may have only scratched the tip of the surface of your political activism.  You want to do more.  I suspect you are not alone.  Many of the people who became energized by this presidential election are ready for more.  Like you, they are asking, "What can I do now?  Where do we go from here?"

Well, there are a few “housekeeping” items that DCCAN needs from you.

1.    Go to DCCAN.org to complete a brief survey about your experience with DCCAN.  Even if you were not placed to work at the polls, we still value and need your feedback.  Completion of this online survey is required in order to get a paycheck.

2.    You will be compensated for your training attendance and time spent working on Election Day, if you were placed.  The Board of Elections is preparing for a mass mailing of final checks.  Please be sure that they have on file all of your information as well as the correct address where you would like your final check to be mailed.

3.    Share your reflections.  DCCAN will be hosting a final wrap up Summit, “Making It Count:  DCCAN and the College Poll Worker Project” at Marist College, December 5 from 3-5pm in the Performing Arts Room at the Student Center.  We are looking for students who are willing to come and be a part of panels to share your experiences with representatives from the Board of Elections and the three colleges.  We hope to improve and build upon your suggestions as we plan for future college student recruitment efforts.  Go to DCCAN.org to post your reflections on our College Poll Worker blog or on “Notes from a College Poll Worker” on the DCCAN wiki page.  We are looking for a range of experiences—the good, the bad, the boring.  So, please share.

What else remains after this?  It is my hope that serving as a poll worker has created an internal shift within you, where you see yourself as a part of this community.  Think about how you can stay involved:  by working as a poll worker in upcoming elections; raising your “Local I.Q.” by reading about issues relevant to Dutchess County; attending local city and county meetings; and participating in DCCAN Study Circles, which will open a dialogue between the colleges and our community. 

DCCAN is but a part of the history that was made this November.  What we see here in Dutchess County, in the State of New York, and throughout the nation is an awakened and animated community of citizens.  We now have the responsibility and the opportunity to channel that energy into change that we can see everyday around us.

Thanks again for making this election count.

Three Colleges. One Election.

Sarita McCoy Gregory, Ph.D.

Director, DCCAN

Message to DCCAN Poll Workers:  DCCAN Needs You!

First off, let me say “Congratulations” on becoming an Election Inspector (a.k.a. a Poll Worker).  You are doing a tremendous service by offering to commit one entire day to the democratic process on November 4th.  You have already taken major steps that you should be proud of:  you’ve signed up for DCCAN and hopefully have completed two trainings on both machines.  You remembered to bring your important documents to show for your I-9 forms.  You’re all set and ready to go for Election Day, right?

Well, there are just three more things that I would like to ask of you.  First, double check with the Board of Elections that all of your documentation is in order.  This way you will get paid in a timely manner in December.  Do you have your voter registration card in hand?  Do you have your polling assignment yet?  Also, have you requested your Special Election Worker Absentee Ballot?  If you will be voting far from your polling assignment place, you should complete this absentee ballot to make sure that your vote is counted.  The Board of Elections has assured me that everyone in their office votes this way and that all of their votes are counted.

Second, read.  Read as much as you can get your hands on in the next few days about how important fair elections are and how you help the process by being a poll worker.  It is vitally important that you be aware and sensitive to people showing up to vote on Tuesday, November 4th.  You should expect emotions to run high because people want to make sure that their votes count.  You can prepare yourself for this experience by reading about fairness in the election process, reviewing your election worker handbook, the Help American Vote Act and New York State Election law (if you have a few hours), and anything else that you think would raise the chance that you can react in a calm, reasoned way when you encounter voters.  Remember, you’re there to help, and the best way to do that is to be informed.  We have created a link to a brief list of articles to get you started.

Third, and perhaps most importantly, make a plan.  DCCAN will provide support to all of its poll workers, by providing transportation to and from the polls and by providing meals.  For your part, be sure to make a plan for getting up extra early on Election Day.  We’ll need you there bright and early, so be sure to set your alarm and then a back up alarm if you need it.  Your Campus Fellow will also help with your wake up program. 

•    DCCAN will be providing one meal for you during the day, but it would be great if you also pack a light snack and one meal for yourself since it will be a long day. 

•    Khaki Pants, Black Shirt:  Dress appropriately for the day’s work:  you should wear comfortable slacks or pants, shirt (non-partisan, of course), and bring a sweater or sweatshirt in case it is cool in your polling place.  Wear comfortable shoes.

•    Crossword or Sudoku?:  Bring reading or Sudoku with you.  Since you’ll probably be busy all day, I would discourage MP3 players.  We want you to engage with each other and with the other poll workers instead of jamming to your own music. 

•    Bring the Cellie:  If you have one, please be sure to bring a cell phone.  We will have a DCCAN hotline set up as well as provide the number to the Board of Elections—should anything arise that concerns you, please call to alert someone. 

I want to stress that DCCAN NEEDS YOU!!  We are thrilled that you have signed up but we really need you to turn out on Election Day.  As college students, you already show your dedication, responsibility, and commitment to completing tasks every day—in your classes, in your sports, and in your extracurricular activities.  We need you to bring that same level of commitment on Election Day.  Yes, some would say “It’s just one day.”  But remember this is your day to be a part of history.

Three Colleges.  This Election.

Thanks again for your enthusiastic support of DCCAN!

Sarita McCoy Gregory