Hi There Family,
Well, it’s no secret the last two years of my life have been working to support Barack's vision this election cycle. Actually, it started with the simple act of including an excerpt from his DNC keynote speech in our 2004 home-made holiday card. Since then, I've run myself ragged, and broke. Projects, visibility events, and networking, to the point of serious burnout. But, hey! Yes we did. It was all worth it. Laura & I met him in person during the primaries, and again during the general election, which really helped keep us revitalized. So anyway, you could have guessed there’d be a NEED to make the pilgrimage to the Inauguration.
My friend Ruthie and I drove to Baltimore, and took the first MARC train at 5:29 am to Union Station, a couple blocks from the Capitol. While we could see the Capitol in front of us, getting there was a huge case of "Can’t get there from here". Security herded all cattle through a circuitous and convoluted path, though tunnels, and down streets devoid of visible landmarks, to the back end of Independence Mall, which took about 90 minutes.
We didn’t have tickets, and we wound up about 20 people deep from the beginning railing of the ticketless part of the Mall, in the media area between MSNBC’s broadcast booth, and a bleecher full of camera crews and photographers. Many in our area passed the time going wild for MSNBC’s panning boom camera, cheering for Rachel Maddow, Keith Olberman, and Chris Matthews, and being interviewed by various news anchors in the field. CBS interviewed us.
The cold was significant, but not sobering or intollerable. The wait for Barack, on the other hand, was a bit trying. Yes, it was all beautiful, but the pomp and circumstance of announced grand entrances, the likes of the Seaside Ladies Auxillary, and the janitor’s wife’s second cousin of Mahlia Obama’s school, kinda had people groaning. Speaking of such, yes, one could expect boos at the mention of George Bush, but HOLY COW! It was an ocean of boos, which segued into a mighty contagious roar of the Steam hit "Na Na Hey Hey, Kiss Him Goodbye".
Barack’s address, was characteristically moving and touching. Once again putting ideas back on the table, vision back on the shelves, and making reason the special of the day. Once again the message was one of community, dignity, empowerment, "better angels", and transparency. But this speech went further into the territory of healing division, taking the charge out of the illusions of difference, and emphasizing the common threads that run through all people. Unity was in the air. The ever so faint ineffible tensions due to race seemed palpably eased.
When the event ended, Ruthie & I split to indulge personal walkabouts. I gradually worked my way past multiple barricades and inconsistent security, to the foot of Barack’s podium on the Capitol steps. I wanted to see and absorb the detail that I couldn’t from far out in the Mall. It was definately effecting. So were the apparent safety measures. Barack’s podium was surrounded by bulletproof glass, with a steel camera platform between the podium and the direct line of sight from the Mall. It was when I moved to take a picture leaning against the podium, when some very serious camouflaged guards and Secret Service personnel intervened, instructing me with volume that the area was "locked down".
Earlier, those who attended the Inauguration in the Mall, were informed they would not be allowed street access to attend the Inaugural Parade, that the route was full to capacity. However, from my vantage point on the Capitol steps, I was able to casually circumvent the security, and wound up 2nd person deep near the beginning of the parade route. Security around Barack’s limo was intense. His car was flanked on all sides by "dummy" limos, and open vehicles piled with Secret Service personnel, tensely scanning and peering piercingly into the crowd. Through the tinted windows, I could see Michelle Obama and the girls waving. Barack was not to be seen.
All in all, I must say, that while security was stern and inflexible, they were also professional and occasionally friendly. I did not observe a single "incident" all day. When you consider there were roughly two million people present, that really says something, something positive, about a very positive event.
As night fell, we had no invitations to any of the Inaugural Balls, and really, we didn’t need any. Ruthie and I met up in the Smithsonian for a light dinner, and headed home around 8:15 pm. Talking on the train, we decided that the whole contentious movie of the election process is over, and we’re now ready to actually get down to accomplishing good things. Barack seems, more than ever, an organic conduit of a progressive movement who’s time has finally come. Let’s get to it. Better days are at hand. Wishing you All Good Things.
All Fired Up & Ready To Go,
Greg
We do not have time for the President to Learn On The Job .... He has to get his act together NOW.... WHERE IS THE CHANGE ? LOOKS LIKE THE SAME WARMED OVER CRAP AS WE HAVE HAD FOR THE LAST 12 YEARS.
OBAMA MADE A PROMISE AND IT SEEMS AS IF HE CAN'T REMEMBER WHAT IT WAS.
3 WEEKS IS A SHORT TIME (SO) HE MADE THE POINT OF SAYING HE WOULD CREATE A NEW DC ALL I SEE IS THE SAME O SAME O ... BUSINESS AS USUAL EVEN MORE SO.
WE MUST HAVE GOOD MINDS OUT SIDE OF DC THAT CAN HELP SOLVE THESE PROBLEMS .... CALL THEM TODAY!
Train Ride to Hope(An Inauguration Day Poem)© J. Joy “Sistah Joy” Matthews Alford
A 7:30 A.M. train rideInaugurated by a commemorative fare cardBearing the likeness of a manWho believed in hope and changeMaybe the time had comeFor a nation whose yesterdaySpurned right at its own perilA nation that, despite dreams and visionsProclaimed before broad witness in light of dayRejected truth 'til civil disarray Dictated that only change could counter catastrophePerhaps this would be the train ride To usher that nationTo the dawn of a new day A sea of humanityLike ants, satellite images would depict dotsBlurred into huddles to become muddled massesI was proud to be one of the millionsKnowing I had neither ticket nor hope of Seeing anything more than jumbotrons I trudged onUnder the 3rd Street tunnelLoosing, early in the day, Beverly and Jayne, My comrades in armsBut I moved onThis is my hometown, I know this placePlacing phone calls of reassurance When intermittent phone service allowedI pressed onMoving from one undesignated Vantage point to anotherBoth the Blue Gate and the Silver Capital viewing areaWere inaccessibleBut how could they close The MallThe entire Mall? But my guardian angels were on it!Like the pride, yearning and desperate belief Of all who withstood the frigid coldEven the batteries of Chicky’s hand-held Neon orange radio knew not to fadeSylvia’s ungloved hand must have been frozen As she held the small prize just above our headsStanding behind me Jasmine asked if I could Move just a bit to the side So she too could hear We each prayed for a clear signalSylvia said a glove would restrict digital dexterityAs she deftly rotated the dial with precision Not chancing to miss a single word That would mark this moment in history So it was to beThis anointed neon orange electronic deviceClearly appointed by Divine providenceTo appear next to meWhether held in Sylvia’s hand or God’sDid the job of unseen jumbotrons The four of us fellowshipped and communedWe were from DC, Colorado and TexasSisters of different generations and racesSilently sharing tears as Aretha sangSharing hugs and hopes as we listenedTo introductions, oaths and speeches Believing the words we heardOn a small radio would take usBeyond Metro stops, Malls and trainsKnowing that on this day Hope had transported a people To a place where they believedThat the time for change had come
The MyBarackobama website bloggers and supporters will convening in Alexandria, VA to meet and celebrate the Inaugural.
The event will feature two comedians, speakers, raffle, meet-up and more!
The event falls on the National Day of Service, (Martin Luther King's Day). Our new president has encouraged us to bring people together to reflect on Dr. King's legacy and how we can commit to becoming more engaged citizens. To rise to Barack Obama's challenge we will be raising funds on behalf of wounded soldiers and veterans.
The Fisher House (http://www.fisherhouse.org/) The Fisher House™ program is a unique private-public partnership that supports America's military in their time of need. Fisher House Foundation has received an A+ rating from Charity Watch.
Fisher House™ Foundation, Inc., is a not-for-profit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code.
Time: Monday, January 19 from 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Location: Murphy's Grand Irish Pub 713 King St Old Town Alexandria, VA
RSVP for the event: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gsxyq2 | RSVP as space is very limited, overflow on first floor may be required.
Metro riders: Take the King Street exit...pub is located 7 blocks from the metro.
***************************
This event is also part of the General Colin Powell Formally Unveils Renew America Together Initiative at the following URL: http://www.usaservice.org/page/event/detail/4jqt3
Please Be Advised That Media Must RSVP For The Swearing-In and Parade Rehearsals Separately.
DRESS REHEARSAL FOR INAUGURAL CEREMONIES
6:45 AM Armed Forces Inaugural Committee (military participants only)
8:00 AM Committee of Inaugural Ceremonies and Armed Forces Inaugural Committee
9:00 AM East Front Ceremonies
Media wishing to attend the DoD West Front Rehearsal should check in at the South Screening Trailer, located on the South Lawn of the Capitol, off Independence Avenue no later than 6:15 AM.
Media wishing to attend the JCCIC and DoD Combined West Front Rehearsal should check in at the South Screening Trailer, located on the South Lawn of the Capitol, off Independence Avenue at 7:30 AM.
At the conclusion of the West Front rehearsal, those media wishing to cover the East Front rehearsal will be escorted as a group to the East Front media platforms.
Media planning to attend only the East Front rehearsal should arrive at the South Screening Trailer no later than 8:30 AM to be escorted to the East Front.
Following the East Front rehearsal, Howard Gantman, staff director for the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies will be available to talk to the media, as will Armed Forces Inaugural Committee Spokespersons with the military stand-ins for the President-elect, Vice President-elect, Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden.
DRESS REHEARSAL FOR THE 2009 PARADE
Following the rehearsal for the swearing-in, more than 3,000 people, including stand-ins for the president- and vice president-elect will march in the Inaugural Parade rehearsal. The participants will consist largely of the military personnel who will march in the Inaugural Parade.
PIC and Armed Forces Inaugural Committee spokespeople will be on hand at the parade rehearsal to answer questions.
Media wishing to attend the parade rehearsal should check in at Freedom Plaza at 13th and E Streets NW at 8:15 a.m.
RSVP INFORMATION
Media who plan to attend the swearing-in ceremony rehearsal must RSVP to the appropriate credentialing authority by 5 p.m. on Thursday, January 8:
DOD Media contact AFIC: 202.691.2059
Senate Daily Press Gallery: 202.224.0241.
Senate Periodicals Gallery: periodicals@saa.senate.gov
Senate Radio/TV Gallery: 202.224.6421
Senate Press Photographers Gallery: Press_Photo@saa.senate.gov
Members of the media who plan to attend the Inaugural Parade rehearsal should RSVP by 6 p.m., Thursday, January 8 to:
Adam Elkington at aelkington@pic2009.org, or Timothy Skoczek at tskoczek@pic2009.org
Source: David Apperson, LIFECLOUD.ORG
Young and Powerful for Obama Presents a Collection of Inaugural Events that Mimic the Obama/Biden Message of:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
***VISION***
Young & Powerful Group Launch EventMore Info/Purchase Tickets: www.yp4obama.com/launchSaturday, January 17, 2009Time: 7:00pm-11:00pmHoliday Inn Capitol - Columbia Ballroom550 C St. SWWashington, DC 20024www.hicapitoldc.com**1 block from L'Enfant Plaza Metro - Maryland and 6th St. Exit (green, yellow, blue, & orange lines)Advanced Ticket Sale Price: $50Includes: Heavy Hors D’oeuvres, Cash barHosted by Jeanie Jones of WKYSMusic by DJ Premonition_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
***HOPE***
Young & Powerful MLK Presidential Brunchin conjunction w/ IMPACTMore Info/Purchase Tickets: www.yp4obama.com/brunchSunday, January 18, 2009Time: 11:00am - 2:00pmCity Club 1300 I Street, NWWashington, DC www.clubcorp.com
**One block from McPherson Square Metro (blue and orange line)A message of Hope from Dr. Michael Eric DysonKeynote Speaker: Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr.Hosted by: Radio One's Sheila Stewart Advanced Ticket Sale Price: $44.00 *For our 44th PresidentIncludes: Full Service Brunch & BeveragesHost Organizations:NAACP - DC Chapter, The Greater Baltimore Leadership Association Young Professionals, Thursday Network , Northern Virginia Urban League Young Professionals Network, Howard University - Student Bar Association
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
***CHANGE***
Young & Powerful Political Forum & Roundtable Discussionin conjunction w/ IMPACT More Info/Purchase Tickets: www.yp4obama.com/forumMonday, January 19, 2009Time: 1:00pmHoward University - Blackburn CenterWashington, DC **Five minute walk from Howard University Metro (green line)Hosted by: IMPACT and The Political Roundtable_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Young & Powerful Black Tie Gala & Awards Ceremonyin conjunction w/ IMPACTMore Info/Purchase Tickets: www.yp4obama.com/galaMonday, January 19, 2009Time: 8:00pmL'Enfant Plaza Hotel 480 L'Enfant Plaza, SWWashington, DC 20024www.lenfantplazahotel.com
**1200 Underground Parking Places and Underground Metro that Opens in Hotel (green, yellow, blue, & orange lines)Surprise Celebrity Performance!Hosted by: EZ Street of 93.9 WKYSMusic by: DJ Premonition"Socialize with us as we dine, dance and toast President Obama's victory.Have Fun, Stay Warm, and Celebrate the Obama Presidency"Advanced Ticket Sale Price: $125.00Includes: Open Bar from 9pm - 11pm, Heavy Hors D'oeuvres, and Live Band _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
*** The Civil Rights Presidential Inaugural Gala will be taking place on January 20th at 480 L'Enfant Plaza in Washington, DC.
To contact and know how to attend please see enclosed here, the site for more information to reach the organizers:
http://www.thedreamcometrue...
***REDEMPTION***
Young & Powerful Inaugural CelebrationA Semi-Formal Affair in conjunction w/ IMPACTMore Info/Purchase Tickets: www.yp4obama.com/semiformalTuesday, January 20, 2009Time: 8:00pmIreland's Four Fields3412 Connecticut Ave NWWashington, DC 20008
**1 block from Cleveland Park Metro(red line)Hosted by: Olivia Fox of Majic 102.3 Music by: DJ Premonition "Celebrate this historical day with other Obama enthusiastsand network with Young and Powerful members as wecommemorate a day to remember for a lifetime."Advanced Ticket Sale Price: $100.00Includes: Complimentary Champagne Toast, Dinner Buffet, and special Young & Powerful token of appreciation for all guest!For more information about our events please contact. yp4obama@gmail.com _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Be Seen...Be Heard...Be Powerful_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Young and Powerful for Obama: http://www.yp4obama.com/
A FULL WEEK FOR ONLY $600!! This Villa sleeps a max of 6 people
You can rent this unit for 6 nights and 7 Days, and just travel to DC on Inauguration day and enjoy this historic event! Travel distance is 153 miles! Check in Sunday, Jan 18th @ 4pm (maybe a little earlier) Check out Sunday, Jan 25th @ 10am
101 St. Andrews Drive Williamsburg, Virginia 23188 USA
This hotel has a smoke-free policy
Pets are not allowed
Complimentary on-site parking
*Availability for these dates is SOLD OUT through the actual hotel - (Marriott-timeshare)
Upon agreement of payment, we can place your name on a reservation and e-mail a confirmation within one to three business days.
Preferred payment is via PayPal
Please see ad on Craigslist
<http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/vac/970238108.html>
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Committee announced the honorary co-chairs for the Inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden.
In keeping with the President-elect's commitment to an inclusive and bipartisan Inauguration, the list of honorary co-chairs includes members of the President-elect and Vice President-elect's immediate families as well as prominent Americans from both sides of the aisle who have dedicated their lives to selfless service to their fellow citizens.
"Vice President-elect Biden and I are grateful to these distinguished men and women for agreeing to serve as Honorary Co-Chairs for the Inauguration," said President-elect Obama. "From family members to former Presidents, each of these leaders has an unwavering commitment to bipartisan cooperation and a proud record of service to their community and our country. They exemplify the spirit of unity and shared purpose this Inauguration will reflect."
The Honorary Co-Chairs for the 2009 Presidential Inauguration are:
For the latest information on the 2009 Presidential Inauguration, please visit www.pic2009.org.
The Pickens Plan: For those who would like to become an active participant in a solution for our nations energy needs I urge you to join with T.Boone Pickens in his quest for a cleaner planet through alternative energy.
Also see Green Wave Energy: Green Wave was founded by Mark Holmes and was formulated for viable alternative energy solutions. Green Wave Energy is promoting state-of-the-art energy-saving products and services throughout the country.
Green Wave Energy understands alternative energy technology will become “main stream” when
Call 949.645.1701 for information on how Green Wave Energy can help you save the planet.
Alternative EnergySource: David Apperson
url: http://veterans.barackobama.com/page/community/tag/alternative-energy
This is an open letter to all those attending next month's inauguration.
In just over a month, millions of Americans will be flocking to Washington, DC to celebrate this historic Presidential Inauguration. As an early and enthusiastic supporter of President –Elect Obama, I welcome my fellow celebrants to the party. As a DC resident, I’m thrilled that so many of my friends from all over this great nation will be joining in the fun.
However, as a DC resident, I am deeply concerned about my city council’s decision to keep Washington bars open 24 hours during the days preceding the inauguration.
Since I can’t do anything to stop the decision, I am writing this letter as a concerned mother and fellow Obama supporter.
Please do not come to my town and get so drunk that you litter my streets or drive drunk on my roads. The roads you use to return home from the bars are the same ones that take my kids to school.
Please do not engage in crass behavior that will embarrass me in front of my children. Don’t make me explain explicit adult behaviors to my five year old son and his three year old brother.
Please do not get into fights or start screaming matches with McCain supporters. While these people may be your political adversaries, they are my neighbors.
You see, for many, Washington is just host to the Party of the Century. For me, it’s the city where my kids go to school, the home where I rest, the roads I drive and the parks where my children play.
Please remember that there will be families working, going to school and living at this party venue. We deserve the kind of dignity and consideration our President-Elect has modeled during the two years of his campaign.
Thank you.
Laura Owen
Washington, DC
Senators Feinstein and Bennett Urge DC Government To Reverse Emergency Alcohol Law
WASHINGTON, DC / Senator Dianne Feinstein, Chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC), and Senator Bob Bennett, Member of the JCCIC and Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, today urged the Mayor and City Council of Washington, DC to reverse the emergency legislation passed last week to allow bars and restaurants to sell alcohol until 5 am during the week of the inauguration.
“We have reached out to Mayor Fenty and Council Chairman Vincent Gray because of our grave concerns about the unintended consequences of this legislation,” said Senator Feinstein.
“What is clearly meant as a boon to local businesses may instead create tremendous problems for already overwhelmed law enforcement agencies.”
“Security needs to be the number one priority during the Inaugural ceremonies and extending the sale of alcohol until 5 am in DC will only divert law enforcement resources away from their primary focus on security measures and crowd safety,” said Senator Bennett.
Text of the JCCIC Letter
Dear Mayor Fenty and Council Chairman Gray: We are writing today to urge that City Council and the Mayor reverse emergency legislation approved by the Council last week that permits nightclubs, bars and restaurants to sell alcoholic beverages until 5 a.m. for four nights during the Inauguration of Barack Obama as our 44th President. With projections as high as 4 million people planning to visit the city during this time period, we are deeply concerned that the plan approved by the City Council could seriously strain law enforcement resources that need to be focused on the large crowds and security requirements of the Inaugural and its impact on the City. There is great cause for celebration at this historic event. But we believe that the benefits of this emergency legislation, passed with little public notice, are far outweighed by its possible consequences. We understand the pressures you face from the different constituencies in your city. But we also know the importance of standing firm to ensure the safety of residents, workers and visitors who will be in Washington, D.C., participating in this historic event.” Sincerely, Robert F Bennett and Dianne Feinstein
Dear Mayor Fenty and Council Chairman Gray:
We are writing today to urge that City Council and the Mayor reverse emergency legislation approved by the Council last week that permits nightclubs, bars and restaurants to sell alcoholic beverages until 5 a.m. for four nights during the Inauguration of Barack Obama as our 44th President.
With projections as high as 4 million people planning to visit the city during this time period, we are deeply concerned that the plan approved by the City Council could seriously strain law enforcement resources that need to be focused on the large crowds and security requirements of the Inaugural and its impact on the City.
There is great cause for celebration at this historic event. But we believe that the benefits of this emergency legislation, passed with little public notice, are far outweighed by its possible consequences.
We understand the pressures you face from the different constituencies in your city. But we also know the importance of standing firm to ensure the safety of residents, workers and visitors who will be in Washington, D.C., participating in this historic event.”
Sincerely,
Robert F Bennett and Dianne Feinstein
UPDATE: I spoke with the Mayor's office this morning. They stated that there will be another meeting on this issue in the near future. I recommend those reading this post call the Mayor and cast your vote for security.
The number for Mayor Fenty is 202.727.5011 - Vincent Gray's number is 202.724.8032
Dear Friends,
The following website has been set to iform you on inauguration day events, volunteer and job opportunities, etc. Please visit it:
http://www.pic2009.org
Thanks for continuing to read me on your in-box after our historical win on November 4th 2008. Hopefully some of you would confirm me you will be coming to DC. I live in the city currently and I am more likely to be there !!!!
Best Regards,
God Bless,
Franklin Katunda. An Obama Surrogate
I see an opportunity for America and people around the world to connect with our newest President right here in this website. This website is set up beautifully. To grow and continue the site for common people to express concerns, volunteer, and unlimited other possibilities. I'm asking for you to GET ON THIS BAND WAGON and also request that this website to remain ON and also to be an active part of Obama's transition wher each one of us can make a difference for the GOOD! Thank YOU!
The country is the winner in this election. We have so much to look forward to, but on a personal note, permit me to look back again for a moment.
I was gratified that Virginia went for Barack after the long, hard work of so many VA, MD, and DC volunteers. We did it! (with a little help from Barack's Election Eve Rally :-)
Sorry, WV. We tried.
Henry M
I awoke early at 5:30am to get ready for the election. Though election day was not a fashion show, I could not show up dawdy looking because if Barack got elected, I could not had told my children that I was in wrinkled garb! Like Sheryl Underwood said on the Tom Joyner Morning Show. Initially I was going to wear my silver turtleneck with matching slacks but after watching the weather report, I changed to wearing my Ann Taylor sweater. Hey I got to put on the good stuff!
Walking to my polling place at 6:58am, there was a line around the corner past M Street, the Union Club and a couple of embassies. Initially I thought that I would be finished by 10am enabling me to still complete all of my daily tasks. Immediately upon my arrival, two more men came and we discussed everything: the election, where we came from and previously voted (I voted in Virginia and Ohio and one man voted in Florida), and debated voter fraud (Though one man asserted that there was fraud on both sides. I disagreed because when Republicans proclaim voter fraud that was a dig towards black people. They feared our high turnout so they said these people were more susceptible to voter fraud!), and the DC metro area (One man exclaimed that though he liked residing in Wisconsin, he was an East Coast dude now. Even with the snow I could not see myself abandoning Cleveland. It was my birthplace and I had not morphed into this big time person enough to move on from it! It was too hard to shelve 28 years of my life over career progress!).
Though I heard many blacks' retelling how emotional it was to cast their ballots for Barack, the spirit did not well up in me because I had been voting for 12 years. Though a viable black presidential candidate was new, exercising my full franchise was not. So I waited in line for thirty-five minutes then a man asked me if my last name was between I and L, I replied yes, he instructed me to head into the church where I verified my address (I took my voter identification card just in case there was a mix-up. www.barackobama.com listed my Virginia address and polling place in its reminder email), took the blue ticket stub and waited in line to vote.
The DC electronic voting process was different than the Ohio and Virginia punch card balloting. I took this huge sheet of paper, penciled in the arrow for the candidate of my choice then waited in another line to feed it into this electronic feeder which read my vote! The elderly woman volunteered shouted at us to stand behind the line. I told the lady in front of me that she was a retired school teacher who commandeered her charges in one single-file line against the lockers!. She called my name and I fed my paper ballot into the electronic voting machine. Exiting the church I was rejuvenated to see the long lines because all of them are voting for Barack Obama.
Entering my apartment building to I talked to the front desk lady about casting my vote. I told her the reason why I finished early was because my last name was Jenkins. She replied that was the shortest line. Her surname started with a B then the lightbulb went off that she had to stand in line with all of the people named Brown and Black. Right after that my apartment I turned on my TV to see CNN and watch Senator Barack Obama cast his ballot!
WASHINGTON -- An increased significance of the D.C. area's presidential primaries probably means more voters will be at the booths, causing concern about the number of poll workers.
News4's Cheryl Butler reported that election boards in D.C., Montgomery County, Md., and Loudoun County, Va., are in desperate need of poll workers before the Feb. 12 primaries.
The D.C. Board of Elections needs 1,500 poll workers to man 142 precincts. The greatest need is in Wards 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6.
Montgomery County officials need to fill 460 election judge positions out of 3,200 slots. The need for judges is greatest in Bethesda, Silver Spring, Chevy Chase, Gaithersburg and Kensington.
"Montgomery County is highly Democratic," said Marjorie Roher. "We have a voting population that is 2-to-1 Democrats over Republicans. We are challenged in locating Republican election judges."
The situation is similarly dire in Loudoun County, where 750 poll workers are needed to handle the primary and the Nov. 4 general elections. The demand for workers is greatest in Sterling, Potomac Falls, Leesburg and Ashburn.
If people don't volunteer, it means longer waits for voters.
"You really may be standing in long lines," said Dianna Price, of Loudoun County. "We cannot process people fast enough. Our hope is we could process one person every minute, and it would be nicer if we could process someone every two minutes."
Adult poll workers in the region get a $120 stipend. Poll workers may start as early as 5 a.m. or 6 a.m. and may not finish until 9 p.m., 10 p.m., or 11 p.m.
To find out more about how to volunteer as a poll worker: D.C. Board of Elections202-727-2525DCBOEE.org Montgomery County Board Of Elections240-777-8533777vote.org Loudoun County Board Of Elections703-737-8247dianna.price@loudoun.gov
