Our Heroes, Poll Workers

I am and have been a Poll Watcher for several election cycles. The purpose of Poll Watchers is to register with the Supervisor of Elections, as being with a political party or candidate. Once registered and upon entering a precinct the "job" of a Poll Watcher is simply that: to watch. If there appears to be an irregularity in the voting process, or the inability of an otherwise properly registered voter to be able to vote, my duty is to report it to the organizers of the party or candidate I am with. We may not interfere with any process and the Clerk is the boss. Interference with them is illegal.

That being said I was in several precincts today so far, and I'd like to recognize ALL the Poll Workers: There are deputized people, clerks and voting staff. In EVERY polling place I have ever had the pleasure of being in, especially 511, 512, 500 and 516 so far today, everyone was as helpful as could be. Turnout was very light with as low a 3 (!) votes at one precinct and 33 (!!) at the highest, by mid-day. There must have been early voters and of course absentee voters, but I bet turnout will be 20% or less. This was mostly a primary, expect that all judges will end up being elected by say 5% of all people over 18, as probably only 55% of the voting age population is registered and 20% of those turn out, which is the fodder for another post, but I digress ...

The workers are dedicated, are definitely not in it for the money, as I doubt they make more than about $10 an hour or so. It is a grueling day, being there from about 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. or later.

Kudos to all of them as they have all always been friendly, helpful, dignified and professional in their positions. On behalf of the entire electorate, I offer a big SHOUT OUT to all of you! Thanks for your sacrifice; without you we could not exercise one of our most fundamental freedoms.