As we enter another election cycle it is important that we acknowledge the unsung heroes who help to make our democracy work: the behind-the-scenes election administrators, volunteers, election monitors, postal workers and secretaries of state.
So, who are these nameless public servants who power our elections every year?
Poll Workers
Every election requires thousands of people to make sure voting runs smoothly. Poll workers are everyday members of the community who step up to work during voting, from the time the polls open first thing in the morning until the last voters have cast their ballots on Election Day and the ballots are delivered to the Board of Elections. Because poll workers tend to be seniors, many resigned during the COVID epidemic and have had to be replaced. The board of elections has worked hard to fill the vacancies to ensure that the polls are fully staffed on Election Day.
Election Observers
Our elections have a long history of poll monitors and election observers. These individuals are sometimes appointed by political parties or candidates, or serve as nonpartisan, impartial watchers, who are on site to observe voting operations and report any irregularities to election administrators, candidates or party officials. Observing our election process, including monitoring the polls, is critical to ensuring our elections are transparent and building confidence in our election system. These individuals also observe the ballot-counting process. Despite mis- and disinformation and heightened rhetoric, election observers continued to be a vital part of protecting the integrity of our elections.
Election Administrators
Election administrators are not only responsible for the in-person voting process, but also planning, training election workers, managing, storing, and maintaining ballots and voting equipment, budgeting for the correct number of ballots, and overseeing the counting and certification process.
Secretaries of State
The chief election official in Pennsylvania is responsible for facilitating state elections and managing election results. At the end of the day, they are the ones safeguarding our free and fair elections.
Postal Workers
Front-line workers in the United States Postal Service will deliver millions of ballots to voters and back to the board of elections in time for the deadline on Nov. 7.
Their names won’t be in the history books, but every one of these unsung heroes deserves our thanks for administering the election process in a free, fair and accessible manner twice a year in every election.
Remember to thank them by voting, in person or by mail.
The League of Women Voters of Bucks County is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to providing voter education and services and advocating for issues. It envisions a democracy where every person has the desire, the right, the knowledge and the confidence to participate.
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