Day at the polls

Text by SADIE IBBOTSON-BROWN A DAY AT

THE POLLS Art by Samantha Ho VOLUNTEERING AT A PALO ALTO VOTING CENTER

THE LARGE, EMPTY ROOM is filled with touch- poll workers. These people had only been working with each other screens and ballot stations, each accompanied by a se- for a few days beforehand, but they already got along well and crecy divider emblazoned with the American flag. It’s seemed genuinely happy to be there. One worker brought in his quiet: the calm before the storm, filled with a sort of dog, Sushi, who added a sweet presence to the hectic day. eerie silence that will soon be broken with a surge of early voters. I worked at the end of the voting process, sanitizing each station after it was used by a voter: touchscreen, secrecy sleeve and Preparing for the polls table. I switched off between sanitization and manning the ballot

I decided to work the polls in late September, when I realized scanners, where I would help voters cast their votes and make sure just how fed up I was with the current presidential administration. they were counted. Since I’m not yet old enough to vote, working at the polls seemed At one point, I was approached by a voter who informed me like the best way I could contribute to the elec- that she believed that not everyone should tion process. I remember going to the polls with my par- Voting is a key part vote, but instead only those who really knew and researched all of the propositions ents at a young age and watching them vote. The to being an American and candidates. This offhand comment ballots looked impossibly long and complicated, and the voting day normally ended with me citizen, and is a right caught me off-guard and made me reflect on the voting process as a whole. stealing their “I Voted” sticker and plastering it that has been fought I believe that everyone should vote. on my forehead. Even waiting outside the training center, it for for centuries. Voting is a key part to being an American citizen, and is a right that has been fought was evident that this year’s voting process was for for centuries. going to be different than years past. We waited There were more votes cast in this elecin long, winding lines just to enter the building, where all of our tion than ever before, as well as a surge in youth voting. With sevtemperatures were checked. COVID-19 had left its mark on the eral states ending up blue or red by a slim margin of votes, it’s clear voting center. that each and every vote counts. It’s important to vote and make sure that your voice is heard. Working the Polls You should educate yourself on the propositions and candi-

I worked on Monday, Nov. 2, an early election day. At 8 a.m., dates, but don’t let an inability to access information prevent you the poll center was eerily quiet — not to mention freezing. from voting. The people at the voting centers are there to help, and

I was immediately surprised by the camaraderie between the can provide voter guides and other resources to make sure you’re aware of what exactly and who exactly it is that you’re voting for. This was incredibly clear at my vote center. My fellow workers were determined to make the process as streamlined and easy as possible for every voter, and were happy to listen to every request and concern. Each person who came through the doors was greeted with a smile, a willingness to answer any question and a “Thank you for voting.” I was nervous to work at the polls, especially in an election as important as this one, but in the end, I’m incredibly grateful for the experience and the opportunity to be a small part of the voting CIVIC DUTY — Voting booths marked with the American flag line a Palo Alto vote center at the Riconada Library. Despite the complications brought process. The election of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris gives me a little more hope than I had by the COVID-19 pandemic, voter turnout was higher for this election than previously, and I’m excited to see what their administration will do ever before. Photo: Emma Wu for the country. v