Editorial-Nov. 9, 2006

Need growing for poll workers on Election Day

By: Mae Rhine
   There’s a disturbing trend growing in Hunterdon County and across the nation: a growing difficulty in finding people willing to work the polls on Election Day.
   The average age of poll workers is 72. Younger workers are urgently needed to replace these senior citizens, many of whom put in 14-hour days.
   We salute two longtime workers, Josephine Nalence, 82, and Jack Lindsley, 95, both of Lambertville, who were scheduled to work 14 hours Tuesday at the YMAC on Wilson Street where residents of Ward 1 and 2 vote.
   Ms. Nalence has been a dedicated poll worker for 50 years. Mr. Lindsley has been helping out for many years as well.
   Although the requirements for poll workers are that they be at least 18 years old, Hunterdon residents and registered voters, the county in 2004 experimented with using younger students who did not meet the requirements.
   It helped, but it doesn’t alleviate the problem.
   We urge those who might have the day off — i.e., state workers, etc. — to consider working at least a few hours next Election Day. The pay’s not bad; it’s $200 a day.
   Help is needed at the school elections in April as well as the June primary and the November general election.
   And it is an important job: checking in voters, making sure they’re at the right polling place and offering assistance to those who need help voting.
   Most feel a sense of patriotism every time they exercise their privilege, their right, to vote. And working at the polls is another way to feel that same sense of patriotism and pride in our country.