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NotNowDamo t1_ivqd817 wrote

Reply to comment by LinIsStrong in One poll worker’s report from the front lines of Pennsylvania voting by LinIsStrong

I have another question, similar.

I went to the fire station, our local polling place, and the woman with the signature book (I don't know what it is called) asked me my name times, at the third time I spelled it for her and she responded, I know the name, I just don't recognize you, then when I looked at her with a blank stare she just said, " oh, give me your paper."

I need to point out that this is a very rural community and I don't work in this county and am a new transplant.

I did get to vote, but found the situation uncomfortable.

I find this to be abnormal behavior and never encountered it before, but am from another part of the state and have never voted in this area before.

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LinIsStrong OP t1_ivqfml5 wrote

If this was your first time voting in that precinct, I am guessing that the “paper” you gave her was some sort of identification? In PA, when you vote in a precinct for the first time, the voter roll book has “ID needed” next to your name so that we can verify you as a legitimate voter in our precinct.

If this was the case for you, it sounds to me like the poll worker was rude or thoughtless with her comment but not necessarily obstructionist.

Poll workers are just everyday people - some make voters feel uncomfortable which stinks! I’m lucky, I work with a group that works hard to make every voter feel comfortable, welcomed and appreciated. Sounds like yours was just an unpleasant person, unless there is something I’m missing.

Thank you for voting!

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NotNowDamo t1_ivqgede wrote

It was my registration. I realize that was my ID and brought it for that reason. However, she asked me for the ID before she looked up my name in the book.

I was more worried about her asking who I am and then saying she doesn't recognize me.

My town has 1400 people and people don't move here--they move away, so I get a lot of "I don't know you" when I meet someone for the first time.

Which is what I think was happening, but thought that the polling place was the wrong place for that interaction.

Thanks for volunteering!

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ScienceWasLove t1_ivssgea wrote

In my rural polling place around 1,000-2,000 people vote in non-presidential elections.

There about a dozen volunteers that run the polling almost every time I have voted.

It is common for them to put my name to my face in that setting and say “oh I remember you”. At least in my experience.

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