My first assignments as a poll worker dropped this week, a reminder of how soon election day will be here. Early voting starts October 14 in Iowa.

I drew three shifts helping in the lobby at the county administration building, and expect to draw an election day assignment. The county auditor is well-organized to cover elections. Despite bluster in the media, voting preparations seem to be progressing normally in our county.

Democrats have activated their vote protection process. I worked as a poll watcher as part of this program during the previous three general elections. It was pretty dull work. There was never any action, of any kind, that required my intervention. I got a lot of reading done while poll watching. This lack of action led me to apply to be a poll worker, figuring if I was going to be there, I may as well get paid. I don’t recall ever seeing a Republican poll watcher in our precinct.

The problem we face this cycle is not local. The current administration has openly announced that it will send ICE agents to some polling places, and the Justice Department has recently raided election offices. As our local Democratic Party said on their website, “Don’t give in to fear! Take comfort in knowing that many organizations are working together to protect our voters and our election system.”

There are volunteer opportunities to protect the vote.

Volunteer with the legal team. If you are an attorney able to be in Iowa on Election Day, contact the county party to volunteer with the Voter Protection legal team. You do not have to be an expert in voting law.

Become a poll watcher, like I did. Volunteer through your county Democratic party.

Help in another county. Let your local volunteer coordinators know if you are willing and able to serve as a poll watcher outside your home county. If so, be sure to vote early.

Join a monitoring effort. Learn about organizations and local groups recruiting citizens to monitor the polls on Election Day as an early warning system. Sign up with your county Democratic Party if you can.

While the president tends to turn everything he lays his hands on into a goat screw, here’s hoping everyone who wants to vote can do so… and that our votes count. This seems basic, yet in these times we can take nothing for granted. I plan to check my voter registration, and vote early, in person, at the auditor’s office. Maybe you should consider it, too.

The No Kings coalition is offering training in how to protect the election where you live. Sign up at this link.

If you experience or witness any issues or problems at the polls, call the Iowa Democratic Party Voter Protection Hotline at 515-207-9455.