Why I am a Poll Worker
Thoughts from San Mateo County poll workers on why they serve on Election Day
We could give you a dozen reasons why you should be a poll worker, but nothing beats hearing it from poll workers themselves. We asked San Mateo County poll workers to tell us, in their own words, why they serve at the polls. Read for yourself to see what inspires them.
Does something they say move you? Perhaps you'd like to join them and work at the polls on Election Day. Sign up to be a poll worker today, and play a vital role in making democracy work.
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John Holt, Redwood City
Poll worker since 2003
"The main reason I signed up to be a poll worker was a desire to be more involved in our governmental process without getting involved in politics. I always admired the people who worked the polling place when I started voting; they were there every election without fail! It gives you a sense of pride to see so many friends and neighbors voting! Being disabled, it is something I can still do to contribute to my community."
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Deb Kessler, El Granada
Poll worker since 2002
Our political process depends on the commitment of citizens to participate. Voting is a right that cannot be taken for granted. I am proud to help people in my community exercise that right. For me, working the polls strengthens my connection to the democratic system we all enjoy." |
Leo Shebalin, Daly City
Poll worker since 2002
"I hate to say it this way, but it's a kick in the pants. Normally, I'm a software developer, chained to my desk and PC with little interaction with the world. The training classes allow you to visit places you would never see otherwise. You get to meet interesting people during the training and the actual elections. And you wind up assisting people and solving real problems. But mostly you help people make their opinions noted." |
Joe Toschik, Half Moon Bay
Poll worker since 2001
"I started as a poll worker for San Mateo County in the wake of the 2000 election fiasco in Florida. One of the reasons cited for that mess was the lack of trained poll workers, I so signed up to work in the 2001 election and have been doing so ever since. Even though voting by mail is easier, there is still something special about walking into a polling place and casting a ballot. Maybe it harkens back to an earlier time. I enjoy interacting with the neighbors as they come in to vote and stick around to chat a little." |
Ward Clark, Belmont
Poll worker since 1998
"Voting and the democratic process have always been important to me. I believe that I have voted in every possible election since I was old enough to vote. I persuaded members of the League of Women Voters to work in the polls and donate their fees to the local League. I enjoy watching the interaction between the voters at the polling places who maybe see each other only at elections."
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Why are you a poll worker?
If you're already a poll worker and want to share your story of why you serve on Election Day, we want to hear from you! Email us your thoughts in 100 words or less.
We might add your submission to this page, an upcoming issue of POLLcat, or any other poll worker recruitment materials published by the Elections Office. We reserve the right to edit for space, clarity or spelling/grammar.
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