I just opened my email and saw a reminder to sign up for election officer training.
Election Officer Training
My home state of Kentucky is one of those states with an “off year election” for Governor and constitutional offices. The need for people to serve at the polls is always great. For more than 20 years, I have served as an election officer, and I welcome the opportunity.
Serving in Kentucky is unusual because when election officers are sworn in, we raise our right hands and promise that “I, being a citizen of this state, have not fought a duel with deadly weapons within this state nor out of it, nor have I sent or accepted a challenge to fight a duel with deadly weapons,… so help me God.” We all chuckle as we repeat these historic words, but do not lose sight of the fact that our country has been on a politically wild roller coaster.
For those who of us like to keep red, white, and blue blood coursing through their veins, why not consider “working the polls” as a simple, yet meaningful way to serve our country? The commitment is minimal yet vital to our freedom. At this point in our lives, most of us can make time for this important service. The process may differ from state to state, but the principles are the same. Why not give it a try?
When I first signed on as an election officer, I noticed that I was one of the youngest people working the polls. I was impressed with and surrounded by lots of gray heads who were not daunted by the early arrival time of 5:15 AM! I am a morning person, but I realized that if I wanted to gain their respect, I had better arrive with the earlier birds who would almost have the entire room set-up when I walked in at 5:15!
While it’s a long day, it is rewarding and fun. For years, I have worked with many of the same people. I have often taken my homemade cookies; others have brought chili in a crock pot. Voters bring us donuts or coffee just because they want to, and I have had many enlightening and wonderful conversations about life with my complete political opposite.
First-Time Voter
We all make a big deal out of a “first time voter” by yelling out across the room saying, “Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a first-time voter here!” Everyone stops what they are doing to applaud and cheer. When children come with their parents, I like to make a big deal out of it, talking them through the process, handing the ballot to them to give to their parent, and watching them be all wide-eyed at the process, and making sure they get a sticker that says: “I voted” before they leave. For one day, the election officers are unified as Americans who love our country and want to protect the sacred right of “One person, one vote.”
Love of Country
My love of country really took root when I started doing concerts for our military troops. That lead to invitations to do programs for military wives’ groups and as I participated in their beautiful traditions on celebrating patriotism and witnessed their dedication to the mission, my interests expanded to exploring the lives of the founding fathers’ wives.
My Dearest Friend: Letters of Abigail and John Adams is one of my favorite books. These letters that the second President and his wife exchanged throughout their marriage are amazing. Abigail Adams was an outspoken woman patriot, fiercely devoted to her husband and children and to the fight for freedom before, during, and after the revolutionary war. Women of her day were not allowed to vote and she was an early champion for women’s rights.
If you are looking for a way to serve your country which has allowed all of us to “live our best lives,” maybe you will be inspired to investigate becoming an election officer (aka poll worker).
I leave you with some words from First Lady Abigail Adams,
“A people fired…with the love of their country and of liberty, a zeal for the public good, and a noble emulation of glory, will not be disheartened or dispirited by a succession of unfortunate events. But like them, may we learn by defeat the power of becoming invincible.” -Abigail Adams
I have often signed up as a Poll Watcher/ Challenger in my current state which is a blue state. It can get pretty nasty here at Election time like I’ve never seen before in other cities. I always go in to serve with hope in my heart that the outcome will make it more of a Red state because of the sad condition of the quality of life with so much rising crime, drugs, lack of morality, etc. But, I continue to pray and join with like minded people who also hope and pray that things will turn around for the better.
THANK YOU for serving! We share the same political philosophy. Regardless of party, EVERY American should be deeply concerned with protecting their sacred right to ONE legal vote. It simply amazes me that people who hold their Iphone cameras up to a television to access a QR code that will help them make a donation or a purchase cannot believe that electronic voting machines could cause a problem and that both sides are responsible for irregularities or out right cheating. We the people hold the power and those of us over the age of 60 (IMHO) need to become the protectors and the examples for upholding state and national constitutions and election laws. If living your best life includes your passion for our incredible country, I hope we the people will take charge, get involved, and get control of our electoral process. We can do it! MAY THE BEST MAN/WOMAN WIN!