Election Day

Anyone Can Volunteer at the Polls

It seemed appropriate that the 2022 June primary election was on June 14th, Flag Day. Like the symbolism of our Stars and Stripes, nothing is more patriotic than exercising one’s right to vote. A little history trivia, the original U.S. Constitution did not have actual text specifically stating that citizens have the right to vote in elections, more general terms were stated which gave the individual states the power over who could vote, like being limited to white men property owners. Over the years, amendments to the Constitution have extended voting rights to men of all races with the 15th Amendment in 1870, and the 19th Amendment in 1920 granted women the right to vote. As a woman today, I can’t imagine that my great grandmother was denied the right to vote. A lot has changed for women in the last 100 years.

I was honored to take part in my hometown’s voting process by volunteering to be one of Gorham’s polling officials. My participation in town elections began during the start of the pandemic when the roster of eligible election workers (comprised mostly of retired seniors) was greatly reduced by fears of being exposed to the virus, and justifiably so. I answered a call for volunteers to work the first election of the year. Thinking I would just do it that one time, in the past 3 years, I have now worked at every election. Not new to Gorham politics, for 6 years I had served on the Gorham Town Council. By working at the elections, it continues to be my privilege to serve my community.

I have gained a new appreciation and insight for our Town Clerk and their staff, the election wardens and the entire Election Day process. When people shout about election fraud and rigged ballots, etc. I don’t understand how it could ever be. Every step of the day is scrutinized and all its procedures and policies are precision fine tuned. As workers, we all take an oath to uphold the laws. Each table is manned by one republican and one democrat. They take turns on which one verifies the name and address of the registered voter while the other provides them their ballot and now in COVID times, a clean pen to use. I have enjoyed the conversations with my fellow table mates, respectful discussions on politics and candidates and not heated debates that seem to be more the norm these days. These conversations have allowed me the opportunity for new perspectives into other people’s political views and for me to share my thoughts.

One of my favorite moments is when a young voter is voting for their very first time. The 26th amendment states the minimum age to vote is 18 years and that voting rights can not be denied on account of age. These new voters are excited to be taking part in the election process and want to make sure their voice is heard by voting. How many times have you missed an election thinking it doesn’t matter? Even the non-presidential election years and the primaries are important. Even more of a powerful moment is when I’m meeting with an elderly voter that tells me with great pride that they have never missed an election (with the possible exception of time away in military service) in the last 50, 60, and even 70 years. This last time there was a couple that have been married for 60 years and they have never missed a single election, always voting together. That brought a smile to my face.

Anyone can participate in working the polls. Contact your hometown or city clerk to find out about what openings are available. Your respective town/city will provide ample training. It is a great opportunity to give back to your community but even more so, to observe first hand how democracy works.

"Elections belong to the people, it’s their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters." - Abraham Lincoln