Carolyn DiPaolo
The nation’s largest organization of nonpartisan election monitors is recruiting volunteers in Palm Beach County to be advocates for voters.
Why it’s important: Supervisor of Elections Wendy Sartory Link told Stet News last week that because of a decline in vote-by-mail requests, she anticipates longer lines for in-person voting.
What’s happening: The Election Protection coalition plans to have helpers at many Palm Beach County early voting locations and at key precincts on election day in August and November, said Kate Renchin, co-chair of the Palm Beach County Voting Rights Coalition.
What they’re saying: “We don’t have a dog in the fight,” Renchin said. “We are there to give voters accurate and nonpartisan information. Also, at times, we can lower the temperature.”
Volunteers receive training and serve four-hour shifts. They report long lines, broken machines, what Renchin calls “hyperpartisan activity” or other barriers to voting.
- They also answer simple questions from voters and can refer them to the Election Protection call center: 866-our-vote (866-687-8683).
- The center is staffed by civil rights lawyers.
“We want everyone to vote,” Renchin said. “It’s so heart-warming to participate in this important process.”
How to volunteer: Several online training sessions are planned including on Aug. 3, 6 and 8. Sign up or learn more here.
I am a co-founder, writer and editor for Stet News. I am also a former senior editor at The Palm Beach Post. For 20 years, I oversaw some of the most consequential stories published by the paper, including the “Corruption County” reporting project that led to multiple arrests of elected officials. I am a member of the Leadership Palm Beach County Class of 2013. I live in West Palm Beach with my husband, Bill DiPaolo.
