I did something on November 4 that I always wanted to do but never had the time. I was a poll worker on Election Day.
I walked to my assigned station with the gorgeous full moon hanging on the horizon to light my way. I walked past the county building that was bright with light at 5 a.m. (polls opened at 6). The mile-walk helped me prepare for whatever I would encounter.
And there was a lot to encounter!
Voters arrived at opening time (before, actually) and throughout the day, we had more than a steady flow of voters—at points, some voters needed to wait upward of 30 minutes to enter the voting booth. There were men and women, young and old and in between, one lady on a scooter, two people with walkers, three babies in carriages, and two dogs (they didn’t vote).
It was a pivotal election in New Jersey (where I live) so I figured there would be many voters. I never dreamed that there were hours when the line snaked through the firehouse and out into the windy day. The voter turnout was high!
I maintained a pleasant and helpful attitude, and frankly there was only one time I dealt with a voter who just wasn’t going to be happy, no matter what I said or how kind I and the others were. So be it.
The entire experience was tiring, and exciting, and my back ached by the end of the 16-hour session. But it was worth it.
Before I ventured out of my house for this new adventure, I looked to the Book of Common Prayer (something I do regularly) for an appropriate prayer, and paused for this:
For an Election
Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States (or of this community) in the election of officials and representatives; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
I kept this prayer close to me throughout the day. And yes, I consider assisting others—which is what poll workers do—as a ministry of witness, a ministry of presence, a ministry I maintain.
In every election there are winners and there are losers. There are those we support and those we vote against. There are opinions and points of view and discussion, sometimes loudly! Nonetheless, we must all remember that voting, or working the polls, is part of how we live in community, as our Lord did with his followers; and that we need to respect each other, no matter if you are a tax collector or Roman citizen.
And now, I can now eliminate Working at the Polls on Election Day from my bucket list.
Neva Rae Fox is a communications professional with extensive Episcopal experience, serving the boards of The Living Church Foundation, Bible and Common Prayer Book Society, Episcopal Community Services of New Jersey, and others.
