I’ve worked as a poll worker since November 2013 -- when I was still in high school -- and I love being one. The chair, co-chair and election inspectors work together to facilitate the voting process for citizens, and we’re the people who hand you your ballot on the election days. Introduced to this job in my AP Government class, this job has become something that I look forward to each year (sometimes multiple times per year). This year, I even had the privilege of being chair of my precinct. I love this job, and encourage everyone to get involved in the election process. Here is a list of things that only election workers understand:
1. Waking up early is no joke
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In Michigan (where I live), the polls open at a bright and early 7 a.m. But us precinct workers have to set everything up at a crisp 6 a.m. After being in college where my classes don’t start before 9:30 a.m. each day, waking up this early becomes immeasurably difficult.
2. Deciding who goes to lunch first is crucial
Before it’s time to even think about anything besides breakfast, you and your co-workers are scheduling who goes to lunch first. And after that, you start planning your dinner breaks. Food is important when you’re working a 15-hour day.
3. No, sir, you can’t wear that shirt in here
There’s always someone walking around with a shirt or some campaign literature displaying their support or opposition to a specific candidate. This time, it was a “Hillary Prison 2016” shirt. This is considered electioneering, so go change your shirt.
4. The M-100 voting tabulator machine always beeps
The machine is finicky if the voter inserts the ballot too fast or too slow, so beeping is a constant throughout the day. Fortunately, you start to tune it out after four or five hours.
5. You pray that no one will spoil their ballot
For the love of God, please don’t make us spoil your ballot. Getting through an election day without this issue is a huge goal.
6. Sorry, ma'am, you’re at the wrong precinct
This is a problem, regardless, but even worse if there are two precincts in the same building. So sorry that you just filled out that application to vote form, but you’ll have to fill out another at your correct polling location.
7. Oh god, it’s only 5 p.m.??
I’ve been here 11 hours already, but I still have four (or so) to go?! How did this happen? Just keep drinking coffee and eating snacks to pass the time. You can do it.
8. Turning people away for not being registered is depressing
This is the worst for me. You get at least a few people who want to vote but aren’t registered in time for the election. If you have a state-issued I.D. or license and you’re over 18, is there any reason why you’re not automatically registered to vote? I think not.
9. No matter how much you train, you’ll have to call City Hall about something
Even with the complete manual on how to handle every situation, you’ll have to consult city hall about some scenario that you weren't briefed on. But it’s OK - they have your back.
10. Handing out “I Voted” stickers is the best
You get to see the joy in an adult’s eyes when you hand them a small sticker. But in other situations, you wonder how in the world some voters reject a free sticker. What kind of monster are you?!
11. Closing at the end of the night is terribly stressful
Where does this flash drive go? What the heck is a red seal envelope? I have to sign the tabulator receipt six times?? Many questions will be answered, but it will be stressful. Thankfully, this only lasts 30 minutes or so. Sometimes you wonder why you signed up for this, but in the end, you know you’ll do it again.
