Elections Manager Gloria Maestas trains poll workers this morning on voting machines for the Feb. 3 School Board. Courtesy/LAC
Poll workers from left, Fred Brueggeman, Bill McKerley, Erin Kennison and Collin Windle test the audio-visual ballot marking interface component on the ICE voting machine during today’s certification. Courtesy/LAC
COUNTY News:
The Los Alamos County (LAC) Clerk’s Office conducted poll worker training today for the Feb. 3 School Board Election.
Poll workers are entrusted with the responsibility of carrying out state mandated election procedures such as opening the polls, processing voter transactions and reconciling voted ballots after the closure of the polls.
“Poll official training is absolutely fundamental in the preparation of an election,” County Clerk Sharon Stover said.
Sixteen poll workers, including three students, attended the training and everyone was provided with an in-depth Poll Worker Training Manual, recently developed by the Clerk’s Office, she said, adding that to two school board candidates also attended.
Additionally, today’s training incorporated improvements and efficiencies based on the feedback provided by both poll workers and citizens.
“With the General Election this past October/November, we had some lessons learned and citizen feedback. Therefore, we also performed a few role-playing exercises that we hope were beneficial,” Stover said.
With the poll worker training complete, the Clerk’s Office will begin preparations for the certification of the Absentee and Election Day Voting Machines, which is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday in the County Clerk Warehouse, 1000 Central Ave. (The Warehouse is on the west side of the Municipal Building, next to the loading dock area.)
On Election Day, Feb. 3, there will be two Vote Centers available: the County Municipal Building in the Boards and Commissions Room 110 and the White Rock Fire Station #3 on N.M. 4.
Stover would like to remind everyone that Absentee Voting by Mail begins Friday. Voters who prefer a ballot to be mailed, need to complete an absentee application. Applications may be obtained on the Clerk’s webpage, or by calling the Clerk’s Office and requesting an application by mailed. Absentee Voting in Person (Early Voting) begins at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14 in the County Municipal Building, 1st Floor, Boards and Commissions Room. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday including the noon hour. The last day to vote early is Friday, Jan. 30.
For more information about the 2015 School Board Election, contact the Clerk’s Office at 505.662.8010, or by email at clerks@lacnm.us, or visit www.losalamosnm.us/clerk.
Assistant County Attorney Katie Thwaits, center, participates in a role exercise as a challenging voter with poll worker Mary (Cookie) Halsted. Courtesy/LAC
