Rag Writer Signed Up for Nonpartisan Voter Assistance
By JW August
4:15 p.m. 
Provide a survey to give the registrar feedback. All languages as required.
Drop off at this site
Common Cause volunteer
3:18 p.m. Kearny Mesa Rec Center
Much more activity compared with other stops. Can’t say if it’s the time of day or location. All 5 check in spots are busy. Small line of voters on occasion.
My Common Cause Partner Jo Curcio is watching the check in desk. Monitoring the exchanges. They all have praise for the county registrars hotline
Site manager Olena tells me her parents were from the Ukraine. She speaks passionately about the war and its toll. “They are dying, they want to be able to vote as we do.” To be able to vote.
One poll worker smiled and nodded “we are ready for November. Hope the country is.”
2:44 p.m. Photos from the Islamic Center
2:27 p.m. San Diego – At Islamic Center of San Diego
When we arrived it looked like election day coverage as its supposed to be. Lots of people moving around.
But then I find out their midday service just ended.
Still, its busier than our first stop but it is still light.
James the 12 year veteran serving Registrars Office is the site manager. Previously worked a number of locales as site manager— this Mosque location is unique he says.
The Imam came by and wished them well, speaking to the poll workers.
Outside the flowers left after the murders are wilting. Another sad reminder about hate.
1:07 p.m.
Carson Elementary’s auditorium is where ballot box is. Plenty of free parking. 12 poll workers on hand. Smiling alot.
But it sounds like an empty gym. They have voters arriving, but its slow. One poll worker told me earlier this week the “drop off” voters arriving around midday kept them busy.
Ron the site manager has done this for 12 years. He’s like an owl. Sees everything .
And the workers like the guy. Worth Noting-the five poll workers I asked: 4 of them have two years service. 2 years. They are the sophomores of this Carson Elementary. And one freshman.
…………….
12:25 p.m.
I signed up with California Common Cause as a nonpartisan poll monitor at three locations. CCC chose the three locations, all in the 92111 area. I was connected with a partner who, like me, is a first timer.
Our bottom line is to support all voters, regardless of political affiliation.
There is a long check list of responsibilities, including but not limited to making sure the polling locations provide the materials voters need, that all concerns or questions voters may have are responded to in a courteous manner by the poll workers.
If the voter is still asking for help, we try to provide the a solution.
We observe the activity outside the polling place, including harassing, threatening or discouraging voters. We are asked to report any law enforcement, private security, ICE, or other federal agents inside or outside the polling place.
In our four hour shift we will be observing the polling at Carson Elementary School, the Islamic Center of San Diego and the Kearny Mesa Recreation Center.
Editordude: JW will be posted observations during the day. Come back for more.
https://obrag.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/voting-rights-Black-man-voting.jpg
I dropped off my ballot Saturday at a local polling place. The poll worker had to place it in the yellow bag himself, he told me, but I got to watch him do it.
“How’s business today?” I asked.
“Very slow” was the reply.