As I approached the local elementary school to vote in the primary elections in Michigan today, I saw a neighborhood watch organization's cookout. Most of the people at the cookout were younger parents and their children. Some looked like Boomer's - maybe in their 50s and 60s. As I entered the school library, I was flooded with the smell of old books. I gazed across the room and saw the all-women crew running the show. They were all what could be considered elderly; sharp women who spend their day working as election workers.
My experience has been the similar in previous elections. I make an effort to be patient, polite and friendly to the poll workers. Over the last few years, an increased number of methods and rules have been introduced and I appreciate their dedication and integrity. When I voted in the presidential primary, the woman who took my ballot talked to me for almost 15 minutes (it was very early in the day) about her son who lives far away and her inability to sell her house. Today, one of the women mentioned that she used to live in Pittsburgh. When I asked when - she told me how many years she had lived in different cities - with the total equally 77! I was amazed, and told her that she must have added on a few years (I know, I know). She joked and said "No rest for the wicked" and I replied, "Wicked or weary" and another worker joked "BOTH!!"
But seriously, how long will these women be able to work the polls? I am not making an ageist judgment here - 77 is old. I do not question their competency, but they are getting older and it is time for the new guard to take over. According to the AP, the Feds are looking for 2 MILLION poll workers for November's election.
So I'm taking the plunge and signing up this year. If you're interested, you can go to this site to see the requirements for your state. I think I may have missed the deadline for this year, but I'm going to double check tomorrow and I'll post an update.
Please feel free to share your voting stories in the comments. Are the poll workers younger in your area? Have you ever been a poll worker? How do you involve yourself in the election besides voting?
In solidarity,
madlibpoet
