Election Day Volunteer Checklist
Everything you need for your shift at the polls Tuesday, June 23. Print this, save it to your phone, and refer back to it throughout the day.
Need help Tuesday? Call or text the campaign first.
Anything at your poll, missing materials, electioneering questions, a voter problem, supply runs, text it. We will get back to you fast.
Three pickup windows before Election Day
Every poll volunteer gets a Precinct Bag with snacks, water, James Kitchin literature, and Apple Ballots. Grab yours at one of these spots:
Annapolis, MD 21401
Sunday: After 3:00 PM
Monday: 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Crofton, MD
Bags on the porch, grab one and grab something off the grill.
Email info@jameskitchin.com to coordinate a South County pickup.
Cannot make any of these windows? Email info@jameskitchin.com and the field team will coordinate a hand-off that works for you.
Prior to Arrival
- Check your shift assignment by email.
Reply right away if you have questions or need to adjust the time. We would love volunteers to do a half day or full day, so let us know if you can give more.
- Pick up your Precinct Bag.
See the three pickup windows above. The bag has everything you need for the day: snacks, water, literature, and supporter materials.
- Plan your morning.
Polls open at 7 AM sharp. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early so you have time to set up. Bring sunscreen, a hat, comfortable shoes, and a folding chair if you have one.
What is in the Precinct Bag
- Snacks and water for the day
- James Kitchin campaign literature
- Teacher Recommended Apple Ballots
- Other supporters' literature, if your precinct sits in one of their districts
- Any precinct-specific materials or notes from the field team
When You Arrive
- Pull out a stack of James Kitchin literature and Apple Ballots.
These are what you hand to voters. Keep extras in your bag so you can refill quickly.
- Check for other candidates' literature in your bag.
If there are other candidates' ballots in your bag, that means you are in the district of one of our supporters. Please hand out their literature when you hand out ours.
- Find the 100-foot line and set up just outside it.
Look for signs and cone-like stands at the polling location that mark where you cannot "electioneer" past. Set up just on the public side of that line.
The 100-Foot Rule
Maryland election law requires all campaigning to stay at least 100 feet from the entrance of the polling place. Look for the official signs or marker cones, those mark the line you cannot cross. If a judge of elections asks you to move back, do it without argument and call the campaign right away.
If you are also voting that day, cover up your campaign shirt or button before you walk inside to cast your ballot.
While You Are There
- Speak to voters. Be vigilant. Approach them as they walk in.
Stay on your feet, watch for arrivals, and offer a friendly hello before they pass you.
- Hand them the Apple Ballot and the James Kitchin literature together.
Many voters will pause if you say you want to share the Teachers' recommendations. That is your opening.
- Make the most of a few seconds.
You may only have their attention for a moment. Lead with the Apple Ballot, then ask them to consider James for County Executive.
- Be cordial to everyone, including other campaigns.
Other candidates may have volunteers at your polling place too. We treat them with respect, no exceptions. The voters are watching.
After Your Shift
- Text or email the campaign to let us know how it went.
Even a quick note helps us track coverage and respond to issues. Someone may also call during your shift to check in.
- Note anything unusual.
Long lines, equipment problems, voter confusion, or anything that might need follow-up, share it with us. We will route it to the right person.
- Return any unused materials.
If you have a lot left over, drop them at the Annapolis office on your way home so they can be redistributed for the evening shift.