One way to ensure voter intent is to make sure poll workers know what to do when. The clearer their training before Election Day and the job aids they have at hand on Election Day, the more likely everything will go smoothly. In research conducted for the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Dana Chisnell and Susan Becker learned that following some basic rules in writing procedures can help poll workers be efficient and effective.
Poll workers connect the election department to the voter. In a polling place, if voters have questions or problems, poll workers are the voice of the election department. It is crucial that poll workers deliver the right information the right way at the right time.
It is critical to the success of an election that poll workers set up, operate, and shut down voting machines properly on Election Day. But they don’t always remember everything they learned.
All this means that the materials that poll workers get must be clear, simple, easy to use, and easy to understand, no matter what is happening in the polling place.
No. 01
Don’t include poll worker material with content for staff or administrators at election central.
Use the correct titles for different roles.
Chapter 5: Pre-Election Day Preparation
Chapter 6: Poll Worker Election Day Procedures
Chapter 7: Post-Election Tasks
Chapter 5: Pre-Election Day Preparation
Chapter 6: Post-Election Tasks
Poll Worker Election Day Procedures (a stand-alone document)
Documents that attempt to serve multiple audiences are difficult for almost anyone to use to find what they need to accomplish their goals.
No. 02
Organize procedures in the order poll workers must do them.
Make sure the instructions reflect how things are done in your election department, too.
Check that procedures match the voting system in use.
Start each major task on a new page.
After
No. 03
Use headings that describe the tasks the poll workers do, rather than only identifying systems or equipment.
Loading a Ballot
Poll Worker Ballot and Precinct
Selection Screens
Coding a ballot
Loading a Ballot
Selecting a Precinct
Selecting a Ballot
Marking a Ballot to Review for Voter
Eligibility
No. 04
Use familiar, common words.
Use consistent terminology.
Use gender-neutral language.
Use the imperative in instructions.
Use “you” when writing to poll workers.
No. 05
Use numbers for steps. Use bullets for lists that are not step-by-step procedures.
No. 06
Be sure instructions can be followed in order, putting warnings or preparation needed before the action.
The Lithium-Ion Battery Pack can be replaced only by Authorized Service Personnel. CAUTION: RISK OF EXPLOSION. THE BATTERY CAN EXPLODE IF REPLACED BY INCORRECT TYPE.
Caution! Risk of explosion!
The battery can explode if it is replaced by an incorrect type. The Lithium-Ion Battery Pack can be replaced only by Authorized Service Personnel.
No. 07
No. 08
Keep graphics simple — show only what is necessary.
Place illustrations and the related text next to each other, side-by-side.
Identify items and actions on graphics.
Use callouts to show where features are located on the equipment.
No. 09
Make sure they are easy to scan and read quickly.
Make clear where one step ends and the next begins.
Use a physical format suitable for the work place.
No. 10
Test the documentation often by following the procedures, yourself.
Observe other people following instructions you have written. Watch without training, helping, or hinting.
You might also want to read Vol. 03. Usability testing ballots.