i just found out today that I'm going to be a poll worker.

[ShazzieB]

Actually, I'm going to be an election judge, which is what poll workers in my state (Illinois) are called. I have done this work in the past but had taken a few years off, because I was struggling with the hours. (You have to be there by 5 am on election day, and I am NOT a morning person, plus it's a VERY long day.)

This year I decided to give it another go but had just about given up on being assigned to a polling place, Until I got a letter in the mail today telling me where I'm going to be working. Fortunately, the location is very close to where I live.

This is such an incredibly important election, and I'm glad to be part of it. I'm not expecting any real drama, because this is too blue of a state to be in the MAGA crosshairs (thank whatever gods may be), but I'm happy to serve in this way and be a part of history.

[marybourg]

1. Thank you for doing this exhausting, but important job.

[Jmb 4 Harris-Walz]

2. Congrats on being selected and thanks for your contribution to the most consequential election in our lifetime.

[orleans]

3. that's great. (except for that ungodly hour!)

my daughter did this in the burbs for a few elections. i remember getting up with her (maybe driving her b/c i needed the car)

yeah, i'm not a morning person either.
even now, when i have to get up and take my little dog out -- i'm not a morning person

[brer cat]

4. Thank you for getting up at that horrible hour

to help preserve our democracy!

[NJCher]

5. I could maybe do it once

(Get up to be there at 5 am.)

I’d go to bed at 3 pm the day before!

I, too, wish to thank you, shazzie, for doing this for democracy.

[MaryMagdaline]

6. Thank you for your service to our democracy!

[littlemissmartypants]

7. That's fantastic, ShazzieB! That's what I do!

We're called election judges in NC, too.

I wish others would try it just once if they're able. It's a great learning experience on top of being an altruistic patriotic act.

Be sure to pack a cooler. Lots of snacks and water, coffee/tea. You need to stay hydrated and don't let your blood sugar tank.

If you haven't done it before prepare yourself. Like you said, it will be a very long day.

Good luck to you. I'm so happy for you! And proud!

🤞

❤️ pants

[SheltieLover]

8. Thank you for your contribution to preserving our democracy!

[littlemissmartypants]

13. Awe! Thanks, SL. LY! ❤️

[Emile]

11. Thank you for your service too.

[littlemissmartypants]

14. YW, Emile. And thanks! ❤️

[SheltieLover]

9. TY, ShazzieB, for your contribution to this most important election!

[Emile]

10. Thank you for your service.

[Marthe48]

12. Great!

I called yesterday to let my county b.o.e. know I'm willing and able. Got the dates to train, so I'll be on duty too. Thank you for doing this valuable work. Stay safe and hope you don't get any crap!

[Maeve]

15. Welcome back to the job!

Ohio starts at 5:30, but it's still a long day for little pay. I'm often the ride-along, taking the ballots to be counted, which adds another hour or so (Ooo, an extra $10!)
But it's worth it to keep democracy alive.