Election Day

PBS Premiere: July 1, 2008Check the broadcast schedule »

Expert Roundtable: Changing the System

Rosemary Rodriguez

Rosemary Rodriguez

Chair, Election Assistance Commission

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The most crucial need we have throughout the nation has always been more poll workers, the backbone of American elections. This November, with voter turnout predicted to be at an all-time high, the need for poll workers is more crucial than ever. These dedicated Americans are on the frontline of our democracy, and I encourage all voters to examine their ability to volunteer to work at the polls. Our nation needs bilingual pollworkers; we need need those who are comfortable with technology; we need college and high school students who can work a very long day; we need people who are willing to learn the process; and we need experienced people who already know the process.

If every voter decided to spend one day a year to assist voters, there would be no shortage of poll workers.

To learn more about becoming a poll worker, visit the Election Assistance Commission website's Become a Poll Worker page.

Rosemary Rodriguez was nominated to the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) by President George W. Bush and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on February 15, 2007. Rodriguez was elected chair of the EAC for 2008 after serving as vice-chair in 2007. Previously, she was the president of the Denver City Council, and the director of Boards and Commissions for the Denver Mayor's Office from 2002 to 2003.