The people of our town have spoken, marking their choices on paper ballots, electing candidates for the general election this November, changing the way state political districts are determined, exercising their rights and responsibilities. And I had the privilege of working at our city’s polling place from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the 2018 primary election day. Yes, it is a long day. Let me tell you about it.
The Job
Prior to each election, we poll workers, also known as election officials, attend a training to review procedures, learn of changes, and try out current technology. Our county uses paper ballots with ovals to be filled in for scanning, like the tests that many students take. The most recent change to our system has been replacing cumbersome Signature Poll Books with an electronic sign-in system. Instead of turning many pages filled with names of registered voters, checking their ID, and having them sign in the book, we’re able to quickly locate the voter with a swipe of their driver’s license. In the primary election just held, the voter has a touchscreen kiosk on which to select which party’s ballot they want and then sign with a stylus pen. New technology can make me a bit nervous, but I’m a fan of the easy-to-use electronic poll book. Voters have given positive feedback. The process is more stream-lined.
Our voting location houses seven precincts, each with a table and several poll workers. Voters are directed to their precinct, where they are issued a ballot and given a prized sticker. Kids who accompany parents to the polls are not the only ones who love getting one of these.
After a person has completed the ballot, they carry it in a privacy folder to the optical scan machine (ballot box) to slide it in the locked box, where the votes are scanned and counted. During our training, we are instructed to do all that we can to give each person an opportunity to vote. Sometimes that means sending them to another location to vote in the precinct in which they live. Sometimes it means they need to vote a provisional ballot so their identity and residence can be proven.
The Atmosphere
It is possible to vote early by requesting a ballot in the mail and sending it back to the Board of Elections by mail or by going to the BOE to vote in person. Those options are helpful and convenient for many. But, the community atmosphere at a small town polling location can feel more satisfying and patriotic. Election Day is an event attended by neighbors who care about the results and about each other. At each precinct’s table, Democrats and Republicans work side-by-side, serving the voters and enjoying each other’s company. I’ve worked with the same three people for several years and look forward to seeing them each time.
- Many thank-yous are said by us to the voters and by the voters to us.
- There is a sense of pride in our government “of the people, by the people and for the people” – Abraham Lincoln.
- Friends and neighbors greet each other, spending a minute to catch up on life, whether happy or heartbreaking.
The People
A few folks are worth mentioning:
- The lady with the infectious laugh that is heard throughout the building. It wouldn’t be the same if she didn’t come to work that day.
- The gentleman who has always been there to greet his neighbors that passed away prior to this election. He was missed.
- The 99 1/2 year old voter with the big smile. We look forward to singing Happy 100th Birthday to him in November!
- The elderly gentleman who told other workers how much he enjoys working with them, and how much he appreciates their friendship. That’s what matters, he says.
- The young lady in the wheelchair who took the time to come to the polls and use the ADA voting system with headphones and video game style controller.
- The 17 year old voters who will be 18 by the general election and came to vote for candidates in the primary.
- The folks who know and trust a particular candidate enough to come out to vote for him or her.
The Importance
While there is plenty of disagreement and disillusionment in the United States about politics and our nation, we still have a democracy. In our local area, a matter was just decided by two votes. There is power in the process. Each vote does matter, and being a part of your community of voters makes us more united, whether we vote the same way or not.
I appreciate the freedom I have to educate myself about issues and candidates and to cast my votes. I also appreciate the chance to serve as a poll worker, even if it is a very long day.
GOD BLESS AMERICA, LAND THAT I LOVE.