94-Year-Old Needham Woman Says Voting Is Special

NEEDHAM, MA — Super Tuesday is a big deal to many voters in Massachusetts, but to 94-year-old Ann Gehr, the day is a "special occasion." Gehr has never missed voting in a presidential election and Tuesday's primary was no different.

As a homebound senior with Bell’s palsy, making her way to the polls can be a challenge, but Gehr said she views voting as her civic duty. Her caregiver, Rochelle Quarlen, helped her to the polls to ensure she completes that duty. Quarlen is a HouseWorks care coordinator who has worked with Gehr for the past three years.

"Going to the polls to vote has always meant a lot to me. It’s an important function that makes our country what it is," Gehr said. "I feel very lucky that I can still make it to the polls."

Gehr said she enjoys going in person to cast her ballot and make her voice heard. With Quarlen by her side, she voted in the Needham Senior Center on Tuesday.

"I could do an absentee ballot but there’s something about walking into the building and actually manipulating the ballot that reinforces the importance of voting," she said. "It’s a special occasion."

Quarlen respects how important voting and politics are for Gehr.

"Politics is an everyday discussion with Ann," Quarlen said.

Quarlen said she's happy to help in the process and inspired by Gehr's persistence.

"Since she’s unable to go vote on her own anymore, I’m happy to be able to drive her and honor her privilege to vote," Quarlen said. "If voting is important to Ann, then it’s important to me."