- 1). Instruct vote counters on the process for voting in your district. Give an overview of how the ballot passes from the polling official to the voter, through a machine (if applicable) and back to the polling official.
- 2). Acquaint vote counters with the voting form. Indicate any areas where voters are required to input information. It can be a useful exercise to ask each vote counter to complete a ballot as they would if they were actually voting.
- 3). Mention any known problems or difficulties vote counters might encounter. Machine-punched ballots, for instance, are notorious for incomplete detachment, leaving behind an ambiguously dangling scrap of paper widely known as a "hanging chad."
- 4). Give clear instructions regarding the process for the vote count. Indicate where counters can pick up their bundle of votes, how votes should be recorded and where counted votes should be placed. Remember that counting practices can vary widely from district to district--never assume that even an experienced counter is familiar with the method used in your area.
- 5). Hold a practice session before beginning the actual count, allowing vote counters to gain preliminary experience in a consequence-free setting. Identify and address problem areas before moving on to the actual vote count.
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