I just opened my email and saw a reminder to sign up for election officer training. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
My home state of Kentucky is one of those states with an \u201coff year election\u201d 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Serving in Kentucky is unusual because when election officers are sworn in, we raise our right hands and promise that \u201cI, 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,\u2026 so help me God.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For those who of us like to keep red, white, and blue blood coursing through their veins, why not consider \u201cworking the polls\u201d 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?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/em> birds who would almost have the entire room set-up when I walked in at 5:15!<\/p>\n\n\n\n While it\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We all make a big deal out of a \u201cfirst time voter\u201d by yelling out across the room saying, \u201cLadies and Gentlemen, we have a first-time voter here!\u201d 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: \u201cI voted\u201d 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 \u201cOne person, one vote.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019 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\u2019 wives.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFirst-Time Voter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Love of Country<\/h3>\n\n\n\n