Poll Cats Offers Chance to Be a Participant in Election Process

UC is joining with universities from across the country in trying to have a positive impact on the November 2008 election – this time in the form of making sure the polls run smoothly for all voters.

An initiative called "Poll Cats" is trying to help recruit those from the university – primarily students, but also any faculty or staff who would have availability throughout Election Day on Nov. 4 – to serve as poll workers. Participants will earn $155 in compensation, as well as the experience of filling a key role in our democratic process.

"I think this is a really exciting opportunity for students," says UC Professor of Political Science Howard Tolley, who is helping to organize UC’s participation in the program. "The last two presidential elections in Ohio have been quite contested, so I think students will be likely to get educated by seeing the passions that surround this process."

Joe Mallory from the Hamilton County Board of Elections is also partnering in the process of developing Poll Cats.

Recent data shows that the average age of poll workers is 72. With new voting technology now in place as part of the Help America Vote Act, the burden on these workers has grown.

Those considering taking part in the Poll Cats program have until Sept. 30 to register.

To be eligible, you must be at least 17 years of age, a U.S. citizen and Hamilton County resident, registered to vote and able to attend a four-hour training course (offered at various times and locations). They also may not be convicted felons, unless their conviction has been reversed, expunged or pardoned.

Poll workers must be able to provide their own transportation to the polls, and will need to be available on Monday, Nov. 3, from 7-7:30 p.m. at their polling place to set up, and then from 6 a.m. through about 8:30 p.m. on Election Day.

UC faculty are being urged in appropriate classes to consider offering class credit for the experience by signing the student’s application form.

Poll Cat application forms can be downloaded at http://www.uc.edu/sald/default.html

For questions or more information, contact Howard Tolley at 556-3316 or howard.tolley@uc.edu or Joe Mallory at 632-7089 or joe.mallory@hamilton-co.org

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