What do I need to do on Election Day?
DRESS APROPRIATELY!! IT IS JUNE!!
You will be assigned a team before Election Day. A member of your
team will be designated the "packet leader". The packet
leader is in charge of the questionnaire and phone-ins. Before
Election Day you will also be assigned to a precinct in the state
of Utah. On Election Day, you will need to arrive at your voting
precinct by 6:45 am. It is essential that you be on time to maintain
the statistical integrity of the data. When you arrive at the
precinct, make sure that you introduce yourselves to the election
officials, wear your name badge, be happy and friendly, and most
of all have fun!
What is in my interviewer packet?
Each group is given a packet for Election Day. Inside the packet
is: maps to your voting location, interviewer name tags for your
group, the questionnaires, pencils and clipboards, letters of
introduction to election officials, instructions concerning which voter will
receive a survey, crisis team hotline numbers (call for any questions,
problems, concerns, breaks, and free food), and an interviewer
demographic sheet.
Who do I interview?
Statistically selected voters are the only ones that can answer
the survey. Each voting place will have a specific voter interval
number that is in your packet. You will start with the selected
voter, and count your number interval from there. If they don't
want to fill out the questionnaire, fill in the non-response box.
What do I say?
Give your name, state the purpose
of the interview, explain that the voter was chosen at random
and that the information is strictly confidential, that participation
is voluntary, and that it will only take a few minutes. Ask the
voter to fill out the survey and to return it to you.
Memorize what you are going to say, remember to be confident and
natural, practice your introduction at home.
What do I do if they say no?
Be sensitive to the voter's needs. Use some persuasion and be
flexible. If they refuse, be polite. Mark the non-response box.
Also, knowing how to answer any questions helps reduce refusals.