I first worked at my polling place in November 2021. We were in a new-to-us location, having been relocated from the second floor of our own building due to the complexities of the pandemic. Inviting our ward neighbors into our elevators and our common room to perform their civic duty didn’t feel tenable with the unpredictability of the virus’s variants, so we joined two other wards at a church a block away – free from elevators and in a much more open space (even with three wards and seven voting machines jockeying for real estate).
I signed up because I’d heard that poll workers were in particularly high demand in Philadelphia. The average age of poll workers skews high, with many retirees who are committed to civic engagement giving their time. Of course, due to the pandemic, those older workers planned to stay safe at home, limiting their exposure to so many people. Many even voted by mail, avoiding the polling place altogether. My neighbors who had worked in my building had created such a warm and welcoming environment on election days, and I was eager to pitch in to do the same in their stead.
The online training was detailed, and I felt nervous but (mostly) prepared for the long day. Polls are open from 7am–8pm in Philadelphia, and workers arrive early to set up and stay late to ensure and secure shut-down, waiting for Philadelphia police to pick up all sensitive materials, including the physical ballots. I was assigned the role of “Machine Inspector,” which meant I was responsible for getting the voting machines up and running at the start of the day, escorting voters to them throughout the day, answering any questions they may have about the machines, and ensuring the polls were properly closed and the machines shut down when voting ended. When I arrived bright and early (actually, still dark and early), I was relieved to realize I was actually “Machine Inspector Number 2,” and a much more experienced “Machine Inspector Number 1” had everything under control. They kindly showed me the ropes, and I was relieved to help out under their tutelage, feeling significantly less pressure while learning so much.
Save for one primary, I’ve worked during every election since November 2021, which somehow means the midterms in November will be my 10th election (now as “Machine Inspector Number 1”)! While I didn’t know what to expect when I started, I’ve gotten to know so many interesting people, and the days actually fly by (well, after about 10AM they do, at least). I’ve developed genuine friendships with a few of my poll-staffing colleagues whose paths would not have crossed mine except for this work, gotten to know more of my neighbors, and I’ve even connected with Philadelphians across the political aisle. I’ve become much more engaged with – and informed about – local races, and it’s really nice seeing familiar faces at other political events around the city. And of course, I’m always delighted to meet the dogs and kids who join their parents to vote, and to ensure everyone leaves with a sticker.
Back in 2021, I expected that I’d probably only pitch in a couple of times and turn it back to the pros “when things went back to normal.” Instead, I’m so proud to be a part of election days in Philadelphia and I’m looking for ways to get even more involved. If you’re civically minded and passionate about voting (or just love the stickers), I’d absolutely recommend that you consider working at your polling place! You still have time to sign up and get trained before November. As always, we’re hoping turnout will be high in Philadelphia.
Mylène Kerschner – Senior Research and Consulting Manager
