Other Methods for Studying Poll Workers:
While surveying poll workers directly can be very informative, it is not the only way to gather information about poll workers. Listed below are several other methods that have been used to study poll workers and learn about the Election Day experience.
Exit Polls:
Exit polls are questionnaires given to voters as they leave the polling place and are often use to predict election outcomes, as well as to ask other research questions. They have been used to ask questions about the voter's interactions with poll workers. Questions on exit polls might cover the perceived courtesy, professionalism, or knowledge level of poll workers and the related voter confidence in the election process.
Focus Groups:
Focus groups are small and often homogenous groups brought together to discuss a specific topic for an extended period of time (usually 1-2 hours). Focus groups may be used to supplement survey data by gleaning more in-depth explanations of answers or trends from the survey. They may also be used to get suggestions from poll workers about how to improve local election administration, poll worker recruitment, or the Election Day experience.
Precinct-level Performance Evaluations:
Precinct performance has been evaluated in many ways, and can be a useful objective measure for the actual procedures used on Election Day. These measures are often gathered on or shortly following Election Night and could include information about the organization or completeness of materials and paperwork turned in by the precinct, the number of improperly cast provisional ballots, or cases of missing voter or poll worker signatures.
Structured Observers:
Structured observers can be used to study the actual conditions and happenings at a precinct on Election Day. Observers may look at many different factors to gauge the performance of a precinct including average wait in line, physical conditions of the polling place, respect of voter privacy, poll worker conduct, or compliance with specific election laws.
