Have you thanked your poll worker lately? The presidential election on Nov. 5 is likely to be a bumpy ride — with, potentially, states or counties too close to call by the time the clock turns to Nov. 6. If that should happen, all common-sense Americans will agree, there should be calm, patience, and a recognition that we are all in this together. Now is a good time to prep mentally for come-what-may. Despite the unfounded and irrational fears in some of the more wild-eyed corners of the electorate, American presidential elections, by and large, run remarkably smoothly. To be able to vote as easily and safely as we do is not just our right but our privilege.
We salute the people who make these elections run so well. They are regular citizens, just like us, who have left their regular lives and workdays to put in an honest effort for the integrity of our elections. They deserve our respect, a pat on the back for their service to democracy, and perhaps a good Boston cream doughnut of thanks.
Working at an election site is a very long day. Here in Suffolk County, poll workers are required to work a full day; it begins at 5 a.m. and doesn’t end until 9:30 p.m. It is a paid position, at $18 an hour, and requires about three hours of paid training time in preparation. Election workers set up the machinery at the polling place, greet voters from early morning till late at night, check them in, explain the ballots, demonstrate how the machines work, answer questions, and close the polling place when it’s all over.
Did you know that the average age of poll workers, nationwide, is 61? Those as young as 17, despite being too young to cast a ballot themselves, can do the job, too.
People we know who have done it report that it gives them great reassurance about our electoral process and its fairness. They end the day with sore feet and a very gratifying sense of patriotic accomplishment and pride.