Training Q&A
Here are some questions and answers from the most recent webinar and live training sessions. Questions may be submitted to clerk@cityofmadison.com.
April 2020 Memo from City Clerk to City of Madison Poll Workers
Does the webinar fulfill my training requirement?
Yes, it does. Make sure you check the box indicating you watched the webinar when you complete the payroll sheet at your polling place on Election Day.
Where can I watch the webinar?
Watch the webinar online. The same link can be used to watch a replay of the webinar.
Is a copy of the handout available on the website?
Yes, it is available here.
Why are you still holding an election if we are supposed to be social distancing?
Whether an election is held is not a local decision.
I am torn between wanting to help facilitate the right to vote and needing to protect my health.
Whether you are able to work at the polls on April 7 is a decision only you can make. If you need to cancel your shift, we understand. The earlier you notify us of a cancelation (by sending an e-mail message to madisonvotes@cityofmadison.com), the better.
What are the reasons an absentee ballot could be rejected?
The list of reasons an absentee would be rejected can be found on the front page of your Absentee Inspectors' Statement. Here they are:
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Voter signature is missing. (Note: it does not need to be legible.)
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Witness signature is missing. (Note: it does not need to be legible.)
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Witness address is missing or incomplete. (Note: if we can figure out the witness address, we are allowed to complete that information.)
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There is evidence that the envelope seal has been tampered with or opened. (Note: if a voter sealed their envelope with tape, that is not evidence of tampering.)
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The voter is deceased.
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The voter is not registered. (Note: call the Clerk's Office first to verify.)
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The voter has already voted in this election, e.g., a voter who is overseas and returned both an official ballot and a Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot would only have the official ballot counted.
How will voters know that they can use their own pen?
The Clerk's Office will be publicizing this closer to Election Day. The Clerk's Office will also be providing signage for at the polls.
Can we tell voters which presidential candidates have withdrawn from the primary if they ask?
We are not allowed to provide information about the candidates listed on the ballot. The voter may use their smart phone to research candidates, but poll workers cannot talk about the candidates on the ballot.
Anyone who sneezes or coughs into a tissue should wash their hands or sanitize their hands after throwing away the tissue.
True.
If a voter comes in wearing a mask, do we ask them to lower their mask while we check ID?
No. Compare the portion of the face you can see with the ID presented by the voter.
Can we skip checking IDs this election?
No. Have the voter hold out their ID so you can check it. There is no need to touch the ID as you look at it. If you are near sighted, checking IDs might not be a good task for you on Election Day.
Absentees were delivered late in the day for the February Primary. When will they be delivered on April 7?
As soon as possible. Our mail delivery was several hours late for the February Primary, and that was the reason for the delay.
Could you text the Chief Inspector with the number of absentee ballots you are sending to their polling place?
We will not be able to do that because it would delay the Election Day delivery of absentee ballots.
If we are understaffed, can we dispense with the greeter?
Yes, you can.
If someone lives alone, how can they get someone to witness their address during this pandemic?
Good question. We have spoken with many voters facing that challenge.
Should the tabulator memory compartment seal cover just the memory stick compartment, or both the memory stick compartment and the printer paper compartment?
You are sealing the memory stick compartment. Whether the seal also covers the printer paper compartment is up to you.
I am unsure of how to close the slot for the emergency bin.
When the door to the emergency bin is open, you will see a piece of metal at the top of the door. When the metal is flipped down, the emergency slot is open. When the metal is flipped up, the emergency slot is closed. Ask your Chief Inspector to show you this on Election Day.
Should poll workers use only one pen and keep that pen with them for the entire day?
Yes.
How many directional vote signs are at each polling place?
It depends on the polling location. If you need more, let us know.
Can voters use their own pens to sign the poll book?
Absolutely.