Being a poll worker is not always an easy task, and the stakes (i.e., the well-being of our democracy) are high. Amid the political tension of this month’s presidential election — which saw infrequent but nevertheless serious reports of voter intimidation from across the country, including an assault in Texas, bomb threats made toward polling locations in swing states and arson of some ballot boxes — the job might have felt particularly daunting.
By and large, however, the expansive network of local and national polling locations facilitated a smooth election that wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for those dedicated to helping maintain one of our country’s core tenets — free and fair elections. Many poll workers did so with friendly faces as they helped new and longtime voters alike cast their ballots or understand election procedure. I even saw one poll worker leaning into the patriotic theme in a starry red-white-and-blue outfit. We are grateful to everyone who worked to help their community perform this important civic duty, from poll workers to local election officials. They do all this regardless of their fellow citizens’ personal political beliefs, and they don’t receive enough gratitude for doing so. We thanked them for their work last year, but considering this year’s difficulties, we think it bears repeating.
—Kelsey Beyeler
Reporter, Nashville Scene
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