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Articles on Poll workers

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Poll workers, election observers and poll monitors are all on hand at voting places to ensure the 2020 election proceeds smoothly and safely. Macrovector/iStock via GettyImages

You have rights when you go to vote – and many people are there to help if there’s trouble at the polls

An army of volunteers is working at the polls and behind the scenes to ensure election 2020 runs smoothly and safely. Here’s whom to turn to if things go wrong.
Voting is well underway in many states. Here, an early voting station in Lincoln, R.I., Oct. 13, 2020. Lane Turner/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Obstacles to voting: 6 essential reads on the challenges of election 2020

Experts explain five big threats to this year’s election, from Russian interference to voter intimidation at the polls – plus some tips to make sure every vote is counted.
A King County, Washington election worker verifies signatures accompanying ballots cast in the state’s August primary. AP Photo/Ted S. Warren

Timing, signatures and huge demand make mail-in voting difficult

It’s not just whether the US Postal Service can handle the load. In 2020 primaries, states have had trouble distributing, collecting and counting mailed-in ballots.
With its largely white and older workers, this poll site in Maine is typical of poll sites across the U.S. Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Portland Portland Press Herald via Getty Images

Poll workers on Election Day will be younger – and probably more diverse – due to COVID-19

An army of mostly older, white volunteers run America’s voting sites. They’re reluctant to work during a pandemic. So new recruits are signing up to run the polls, for better and for worse.

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