Oklahoma precinct workers glad they're not in Florida

At least one Oklahoma election worker says sheâ€™s glad sheâ€™s not involved with the messy election recount in Florida.<br><br>Gladys Whetstine is a retired Tulsa Public school teacher who has a big interest

Wednesday, November 15th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

At least one Oklahoma election worker says sheâ€™s glad sheâ€™s not involved with the messy election recount in Florida.

Gladys Whetstine is a retired Tulsa Public school teacher who has a big interest in elections. Sheâ€™s one of Tulsa County's 750 precinct workers.

Since last Tuesday, she's been watching the coverage of confusing ballots in Florida, where some of her counterparts say they are through with precinct duties.

Gladys says she's seen spoiled ballots in Oklahoma, but not that much confusion.

â€œI don't know Florida law I don't know what I would do if I were there,â€ said Whetstine. â€œI think Oklahoma is far ahead of most states when it comes to balloting and organization when it comes to most states."

Election officials say days like November 7th would be terrible without precinct workers.

â€œWe couldn't have an election in Oklahoma without our precinct officials," said Tulsa County Election Board employee Shelly Boggs.

Boggs says there are usually always openings, and it's not difficult to qualify. You just have to be at least 18 years old and a registered voter.

â€œWe go to work at 6:15 in the morning this last election I got home about a quarter of eight and I was paid 67 dollars for the entire day," said Whetstine.