The night before the 2024 Presidential Election, not even a cup of milk-and-honey could calm my nerves. It wasn’t because I was going to vote for the first time, but because I was going to be an election poll worker. I had spent much of the evening religiously reviewing my poll worker manual, visualizing the steps I would take the next morning to assist voters. Would voters even take me seriously due to my age? What if they thought my assistance was unnecessary, or, even worse, annoying? What if someone accused me of assisting in some strange election conspiracy?
These questions flew around my mind, though deep down, I knew I was prepared. Weeks before, I had attended training sessions led by county election staff, where prospective poll workers were given an in-depth lesson of election rules, general responsibilities, and how to handle common scenarios we may encounter on voting day.
Before the sun rose on the big day, a line of voters had already formed out of the polling location I was assigned to. Among them were the familiar faces of neighbors, people I frequently crossed paths with, and local high schoolers excited to cast their first ballot. It looked like a block party, and the morning already felt alive with the energy of democracy. Before the clock struck 6:15 a.m., my fellow poll workers and I had already finished setting up the polling machines, building privacy curtains, and making sure all printers were stocked with paper. We worked together like a well-oiled machine, and I even met a few fellow high-school poll workers.
At around 6:30 a.m., we let our first voter in. This officially opened the floodgates for the bustling day — the place quickly became jammed. My fellow high-school poll workers and I were delegated with the task of assisting voters with voting machines, while other poll workers helped check voters in. Though there was little time for in-depth conversations, I was able to form quick bonds with both colleagues and those who casted their ballots. One of the poll workers had a son who had just received a dream job as a teacher at a nursery school. Another poll worker recognized me as a colleague from the June 2024 State Primary Elections, and we exchanged an excited embrace. Another poll worker turned out to be a sushi lover who frequents the same all-you-can-eat-sushi buffet my family does.
The voters were also incredible. Most arrived with kindness, patience, and genuine happiness to participate in the democratic process. Unlike during the Primaries, where my polling location ran out of “I Voted” stickers before the polls closed, this election, we had more than enough to provide every voter with a small, very well-received token. Throughout the day, many voters expressed their gratitude for the work we were doing, whether through a warm smile or a “Thanks for doing this, guys!” After the last voter cast their ballot and the room grew quiet, it was time to clean up. Packing up those big voting machines was a bit exhausting, but it’s all part of the process. At 9 PM., I left my polling location with feel-good memories that will probably last me until the next election.
As someone passionate in civic engagement, I truly believe there is no better way to learn about and help uphold the safeguards that protect the integrity of our elections than acting as a poll worker. Elections are the backbones of a functioning democracy, but they don’t just happen. Behind every ballot cast, there’s a team of dedicated poll workers ensuring the process runs smoothly, fairly, and securely. An estimated 1 million poll workers were needed for the November elections alone.
Being a poll worker means helping your neighbor navigate the voting process and connecting with your community in never-expected ways. Being a poll worker means keeping our democracy alive. It’s a deeply fulfilling job, and like me, you’ll walk away from it knowing you’ve contributed to something bigger than yourself.
