What used to be a long, but usually quiet day helping out at the polls (and thankfully still is in our little town) is getting to look like a spell on the front lines.
‘People are fearful’: Threats to midterm election workers spur law enforcement response across U.S. Politico
"Election officials worry about potential poll worker interference this November" NPR
Last year from The Guardian:
‘It’s been a barrage every day’: US election workers face threats and harassment
Usually, when you would go to vote, one of your older neighbors would be there to take your name and hand you a ballot with a smile. Now, in larger cities and/or where emotions are running high, I bet some folks are thinking it’s not worth the hassle. Or in the case of the workers in Georgia, harassment and fear.
If you haven’t voted yet today, please thank your poll workers.
I applaud all volunteers. Which includes poll workers. A job I suspect is often thankless.
ReplyDeleteThis is the republican's agenda for voting...intimidate voters, make up reasons to cancel legitimate votes (if they are democrat), rig elections to 'elect' republican candidates who lost the vote count, and eventually, make it hard or impossible to vote unless you vote for them. American democracy is likely to end in the next month...the death rattles may last awhile, but it's agonal rhythm for the heartbeat of what was once American Democracy.
ReplyDeleteDeplorable
ReplyDeleteWe vote by mail in Washington State. I haven't seen a poll worker to thank, but I did no it vicariously. :-)
ReplyDeleteMy friend Ann is a poll worker in Wisconsin. Their training is expanded to include unruly voters. There has never been a problem in her rural polling station.
ReplyDeleteI've never thought to thank poll workers, but I have noticed they get relief breaks and bottles of water etc. Here anyway, I don't know about anywhere else. And there is no hectoring or harassment either.
ReplyDeleteWhen I voted in person, I always thanked the poll workers, who were sweet retired folks. I worry about poll workers now because they do a dangerous job in some places. I'm glad I can vote by mail. Thank you for visiting my blog.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Democracy is a very fragile form of government it seems.
ReplyDelete