Voter Service

Treating All Voters Equally and Respectfully

Civil Rights Laws protect from discriminationDiscrimination and prejudice are not legal

See that all voters are treated fairly and equally

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Goals:

Know the law as it pertains to the civil rights of voters

Understand the diverse needs of voters Learn how to serve all voters with respectful

service

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Goal One: Know the Law and Voting Rights

Voting Rights Act of 1965 Democracy depends on well-run elections All eligible voters have access to voting

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The Voting Rights Act of 1965 makes it “Illegal to intimidate, threaten, coerce or prevent any properly registered person from exercising

the right to vote.”

Goal One: Know the Law and Voting Rights

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Goal Two: Understand Personal Differences and

Needs to Overcome Prejudice and Discrimination

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If I were to sit here….

Wearing a different skin…

Sporting a different hairstyle.

Being a different age

And you were to form a negative reaction to my message, based simply on the way I look…

THAT IS PREJUDICE

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Goal Three: Learn How to Provide Respectful, Positive Service For All Voters

How you LOOK How you SOUND How you LISTEN How you SOLVE

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What You LOOK Like When You Communicate

Voters see and respond to your Smile Energy Eye Contact

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What You SAY: How you Sound

Use positive words and tone of voice:

Absolutely, of course, I can, certainly, my pleasure, how may I help you

Avoid negative words: Can’t, won’t, shoulda, coulda,

oughta, never, always, but…

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Be Open to Service: Speak first

Be Ready: New beginning

Be Positive: Attitude is 90%

Be Alert: Look for special needs

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How You LISTEN: Understanding Needs

Listen to the voter with EYES and EARS Listen for special needs Listen to WHAT they are asking and HOW

they are asking it. Show you are listening with words like:

“I understand how you feel”

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How you SOLVE: Providing Assistance and Handling Problems

The five A’s Acknowledge Agree Apologize Ask Act

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What to Know if a Voter is Angry or Creating a Conflict or Problem

Anger is an emotional response Anger comes from fear Fear results from lost needs like: value,

esteem or control Fear can be minimized when needs are met

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What to do if a voter creates a problem

Remain calm Ask the voter to step aside with you Ask another election judge to assist you or take your

place Take deep breaths and remember the FEAR Continue to calmly repeat how you may assist them Provide an opportunity for them to vote within the law Escort them out the door after serving them and Suggesting they contact the election authority

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Summary

It is the law: All voters must be treated equally See the real person and his or her needs Communicate positively and respectfully Poll worker plays a valuable role