Power the Polls is working to recruit a new generation of younger, more diverse poll workers across the country to make voting easier for everyone. One new poll worker from 2020 shares their story about how poll workers impact the voter’s experience and why it’s so important to get involved in 2022.
Author: Roy Thorson
At the age of 18 months, I was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy type two, a neuromuscular disease that limits muscle growth. This means that I do not have a range of motion in my upper extremities. In terms of going to the polls, this means that I have extra difficulties. Now, you’re probably thinking “don’t they have accommodations for this?” Electronic voting machines? The answer is yes, but the effectiveness of these accommodations require people who care enough to know about them and their functions.
During my first election voting, I did not have access to an electronic voting machine. This meant that I dictated my choices to someone else, in my case one of my parents, and they marked the ballot. In all honesty, this worked OK for me. I voted and my voice was heard. However, it lacked the individuality that is typical of the voting experience. I wasn’t exactly the type of person to overtly advocate for some extreme change, but I did know that there had to be a better option. An option that allowed me to vote independently.
Since then, I’m happy to say that the poll workers at my voting location have been able to institute an electronic voting machine. This is essentially a computerized device that allows me to push buttons to make selections on the ballot. Then the ballot prints out and it’s put into the machine. My voting choices are now completely mine. It allows me to individually have a say in our local, state, and federal government officials. I believe this is important. However, I also believe that there is room for improvement.
Very rarely is the voting machine completely set up when I get to the polls. It’s often required that a poll worker tests the machine to some degree before I use it. I’m okay with this because it means I get to work independently, but I also think that this could be done more efficiently. There are also no tables at my polling location that are the appropriate height for me to sign-in or work on. This makes the voting experience a bit more difficult for me.
So how do we change this?
I believe it is all about fostering an environment that thinks about inclusivity and accommodations prior to the arrival of those who may need them. I also believe this requires bringing in people who care about accessibility. I appreciate everything poll workers do - and know how important it is to poll workers who have experience with accommodations or disabilities will help make the voting process more efficient, both for people with disabilities and without.
People like you make the difference
Ultimately, the inclusivity, accessibility, and efficiency of the voting system is dependent upon having new poll workers with new ideas. It may be you, someone you know, or someone you talk to about this that is the solution for someone else’s voting needs. I cannot stress enough how important it is that we have discussions about difficult topics like this and that people step up to fix these problems. Today I encourage you to think about becoming a poll worker or talking to someone who may have an interest in doing so.
The effect you have on people's lives, especially voters with disabilities, matters. The poll workers at my location made an impact on my life.
You can sign up to be a poll worker to make voting more accessible by going to www.powerthepolls.org.
Roy Thorson is a third year senior at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. Roy is majoring in business administration with double minors in political science and music. After graduation, Roy intends on pursuing further education with a masters in business administration and a juris doctor degree.