We reported 1677 votes today. The others said this was very high turnout for a primary. (In comparison they had 2500 votes in the 2004 general election.) There were a couple of people waiting already when I got there just before 6 am! It was crazy busy until about 11:00, then slowed down through lunch, then we had a steady flow of people until 4:30 when it picked up again until about 6:30. No rush at the end though, which was kind of a surprise. We left just before 8:30 pm.
I was trying to keep count of the voters I personally processed but unfortunately my stack of blank forms got combined with someone else's stack at one point. Still, I estimate that about a quarter of those people came to my station. And since we had 5 people checking names, that should tell you how busy I was. Somehow I managed to randomly sit at the station which had 2 big books; one other station had 2 books, one of which was small, and the rest had 1 book. (It's the same talent that allows me to unerringly pick the slowest line at the bank drive-through.) Actually I was glad to be busy because it kept things moving. The slow times made me feel tired.
The poll workers were a really good group of people. Everyone helped each other out -- like for instance whenever I had a line (which was often) one of the others would take one of my books and process anyone they could from my line. And I did the same for the other person who had two books. Everyone seemed to really care about helping the voters and fixing whatever problems came up. I was glad to know them and I'm looking forward to working with them again in the fall. Overall it was an amazing experience and I encourage others to do it. All you have to do is call the board of elections in your county and tell them you want to be a poll worker.
More later, right now I am completely exhausted. And losing my voice. I'm going to be saying "Sign here and then take this form to the ballot table at the end, thank you!" in my sleep tonight.
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