My daughter-in-law, Casiee Wolfe, served as a poll worker in Branson, Mo., on Election Day.
Leading up to the day, Casiee said she became increasingly anxious, worried about people politicking nearby, possibly intimidating would-be voters.
She also was concerned about people not wearing face masks. During training, poll workers were told they could request people wear a mask, but as a whole the center would not require them.
“I began to dread the day,” she said. “In fact, I almost backed out.”
Even so, she reported to duty at 5 a.m., and worked until 8 p.m.
Today, Casiee recalls the experience as “empowering.”
“That I could be a part of the democratic process that is so fundamental to the foundation of our country made me feel so good,” she said.
Casiee was paired with John, an 80-year-old who was an old hand at the polls, but not particularly adept with the iPad.
“We were a good team,” Casiee said.
Together they verified people’s various forms of IDs — driver’s licenses, utility bills, bank statements, passports — checked signatures and verified addresses.
They worked to ensure every person who came in got to vote, double-checking the poll books and keeping track of voter slips.
They witnessed the celebrations of first-time voters — some were young, others obviously new citizens.
“They were so happy to be able to vote,” Casiee said. “It was beautiful.”
Thankfully, the issue of face masks never came up.
“Branson has an elderly population, so the vast majority were wearing masks. They’re smart about the coronavirus,” she said.
At day’s end the workers counted and stacked the ballots making sure none were crumpled. They then sealed the ballots in plastic bags after which they were placed in other heavy duty bags that were then locked.
“It was really seamless and very orderly,” she said.
