Preparation at the polls

NEENAH - A recent study by the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin showed some problems at the polls during the June recall election.

During the June election the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin had about 150 volunteers observe more than 400 polling places.

"Overall the league said that things are relatively good, that they're, in fact, better than they were in April," Reid Magney with the Government Accountability Board told FOX 11.

There were some critiques. The league's report didn't name specific precincts, but said there were some issues with signage, accessibility, even voter intimidation. The biggest problem was confusion over voter registration.

"Incorrect information on what kind of proof of residency is needed," said Irene Strohbeen with the League of Women Voters of the Fox Valley.

Neenah City Clerk Patty Sturn told us this kind of confusion isn't common at polls, but it's not surprising.

"Things change so rapidly for us," said Sturn.

Sturn told us forms and rules change often. The Government Accountability Board agrees and says it's been an especially confusing year with extra elections and the voter ID law.

"For the November election we really need to get back to basics on poll worker training and clerk training," said Magney.

According to Sturn the GAB just put out a new webinar to get clerks back on the same page. She said she will pass it on to her poll workers before next week's election. Then repeat the information often.

"We do train. We stress the issues they need to get right, all we can do is continue to train them," said Sturn.

She said she always makes sure to have cheat sheets on hand for her poll workers like one that, for example, shows acceptable forms of proof of residency.

Sturn said voters can help too, by helping themselves. She said they can call their local clerks or go to the Government Accountability Board's website for any info they need to know.

"They, in turn, have to take some responsibility and keep on top of what's going on," said Sturn.