Self Motivated Election Protection 'Citizen' Video Coverage
Videographers can develop their own plan for participation as a citizen jounalist. Video-the-vote videographers can use this prior to being dispatched because of complaints received at the 1-866-OUR-VOTE election complaint hotline. Or in the case of complete election meltdown.
In case the Videothevote.org data base is in error or you haven't signed up and want to help video the 2008 election process at the last minute. Read On.
Go to videothevote.org - Resources Links - to educate yourself on what you NEED to know.
Vital Phone Numbers for Lawyers, non-partisan conduct guidelines, name tags, legal considerations (releases) etc.*
1) Decide which county or counties you want to cover or suspect there may be problems.
2) Obtain a list and printout from the election board or county clerks office website of Voting/Polling Precints , usually a numbered list including the address for each polling station/precint.
3) Call local (county) political party headquarters in your county(s) of selected coverage.
Get a list from someone at the party headquarters of the precints that fit these criteria: large college student, minority, low income, educated or heavy democratic voter populations, etc. Find out where votes are counted (usually the court house) and see if you can participate as an observer via the local party headquarters.
Speak with party Communication Director (or leave a message - get their number) and give them your cell phone number (in effect making them also a dispatcher for you if there are problems).
Some political partys may have a better idea of early voting problems or have insight into which precints may benefit from non-partisan election coverage.
Go to Black BoxVoting.Org for tips on what to look for regarding memory tapes, seals etc.
4) Once you have your targeted list of precints, mapquest their locations and print maps.
On election day, visit a political party's headquarters and let them know you are available as a non-partisan citizen video journalist in the area if problems arise. Again be sure they have your cell.
5) If you have a laptop and can capture and upload remotely:
Search: Free Wireless Access Town Name
Libraries, may have open wireless available outside on the street. Local coffee shops? etc.
Upload short and dynamic 30-60 second clips AVI or WMV 640X480 files at Videothevote.org
6) Make a game plan and go for it.
7) Bring folding camp chairs etc if lines are long for seniors etc. Hot chocolate, cold drinks, water etc. Don't forget your umbrellas and extra batteries, extension cords, ac adapters, and chargers. Tripods? There may be a nearby indoor location that may be sympathetic to conducting interviews. Check you audio.
<>Do not video voters enetring or leaving the polling place. Video the long lines from farther back. Interview them more than 100 feet from the entrance and have them agree on tape and give you permission to letting you use the video.
PROTECH the vote!!!
