Poll Workers Will Be Needed

Be an essential worker for democracy

By Beth Comery, Providence Daily Dose

Start thinking about this now. Talk yourself into it. The testimony of Georgia poll workers Shaye Moss and her mother Ruby Freeman before the congressional committee on Tuesday was utterly gutting. 

What the former president and his goons inflicted on these hardworking, private citizens was despicable. And it is ongoing. 

I hope the Bidens will consider an invitation to the White House and extend an apology from the American people.

A shortage of election workers seems inevitable. We all watched the thugs howling outside of polling places last time around — why would any of those workers return? Then came yesterday’s testimony. 

This may not be so critical here in Rhode Island but perhaps a ‘poll worker movement’ can spread to Arizona, Georgia, Michigan . . . and make sure there are plenty of vigorous and committed people at those tables. (Florida’s governor is leaving nothing to chance; I’m sure his newly-formed “election integrity force” will be unobtrusive and evenhanded.)

It’s just one day and they train you and you get a stipend. Each city and town is responsible for recruiting people to work at their local polls, while the State Board of Elections conducts the training. If you are interested in being a poll worker, contact your local board of canvassers. (This may be too early.)

From the Secretary of State’s poll workers info page:

Under Rhode Island General Law 17-11-12, in order to work at the polling place an individual must be:

• A registered voter in Rhode Island
• Able to read the Constitution of the state in English
• Able to write his/her own name

Save the Date: The 2022 midterm elections will take place on Tuesday, November 8. All 435 House seats and 35 of the 100 Senate seats are on the ballot. Additionally, 36 out of 50 states will elect governors. This could be our final election. Make sure you can tell your grandchildren you tried.

Shaye Moss and Ruby Freeman have certainly done their part. Time for us to do ours.