“Thank you for volunteering”.

Every time I work the polls someone will invariably and most kindly tell me this. I would like to think I am a “noble Roman”, but alas, I am not. Working the polls is a paying job. To be sure the pay not enough to make a life change, but is indeed enough to take your main squeeze out to dinner.

So why work the polls with the horrible hours? Poll workers have to show up at 5a.m. Polls open at 6 a.m., and close at 7 p.m. There is much to do in closing the polls. This is a government run operation, gentle reader, there is tons of paper work involved. A good Chief and Assistant Chief knows the ropes, and knows how to delegate the work to the workers. Which gets the team finished in an impressive time. That takes a great Chief and team.

There is also required training every poll worker must take. Truth is it is very nearly painful. The first time I took it I felt as if I were in a foreign language class. Truly nothing made any sense. We were (and still are) given booklets to take home and read. Really? Who ever does that? I did not. In fact I thought to myself, “Long as I am not the Chief. It is their worry.”

My first experience was a Presidential election. We did not get out of there until 9:30 p.m.! I left knowing I would never do that again, “I have done my civic duty—once is enough.”

Well, time erased that awful long day, and when the plea came out for help with the polls, I said ok. It was a smaller election and it went far better. I found I was learning the verbiage, which was a big help.

This past election, Super Tuesday, was my fifth time as a poll worker. I have learned a lot. I have even been an Assistant Chief once. My confidence was built because of the work and dedication of those Chiefs and Assistants who taught me so well. I work with the best team ever.

So, why do I work polls? First of all, we need poll workers badly. I like seeing the voters and helping them. Best of all is meeting new people on the teams. Everyone’s life stories are so interesting. I also like doing my civic duty. The best part? Taking my main squeeze out for dinner afterwards!

Would you ever be willing to work the polls?