What It’s Like To Be A First-Time Poll Worker

Due in no small part to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant shortage of poll workers across the country — and Michigan’s August 4 primary election was no exception. According to The Detroit News, election results in Detroit lagged due to worker shortages at some sites, as well as three polling locations opening late and confusion over changed polling locations.

Amber Berger, who lives in Menominee County in Michigan, tried her best to help. She worked at the primary polls for the first time after a friend recruited her to do so.

Berger told The FBomb about why she decided to work the polls for the first time, and her thoughts on voting in a swing state.

How was the experience of working at the polls for the first time?

My experience at the polls was a pleasant one. Most people were cool. Some people were pretty passionate. We did not have to call the cops, which was something that was talked about during training.

How does one become a poll worker?

Well, first, if you are 18 years or older, you must be a registered voter [some states allow teens to be poll workers]. A friend recruited me. She’s the county clerk of Lake Township [a civil township of Menominee County]. Before the primary election, I did a full day of training.

For those who are interested, I would talk to your local township about it. Also, if you are from Michigan, check out the website Democracy MVP. More than 2,000 election workers were recruited through the site.

Were you inspired by the current political climate to get more involved?

Yes, people get so one-sided and angry. I wanted to broaden my horizons and learn more about how an election works. I feel it is more important than ever to learn more about these things.

There was a turnout of 107 people. Were you surprised by that?

Yes, I was. It was a primary election with no millage [a millage is a rate at which property taxes are levied on the property]. Considering how small Lake Township is [the area has around 540 people], I was surprised.

Do you believe the president swayed some people into not voting by mail?

Yes, I do believe Donald Trump swayed people. I had a few people say it was not patriotic to fill out an absentee ballot. I mean, President Trump made it sound like any mail-in voting was going to be a fraud, and it was a conspiracy.

How would you describe the political leanings of most folks in Menominee County?

Trump supporters, not Republicans, tend to be an issue here. People have referred to me as a snowflake and a tool for wearing a mask. People have also tried to put me in my place. I don’t care about your political party, but once you start discriminating against others, then I have a problem.

Will you be working at the November election polls?

Yes, I will be working at the November election polls. This election was a primary, and although the numbers were good, the November election is going to be even bigger!

I want to see the craziness that is a presidential election. Our area is generally quiet, but we get people trying to see how much they can get away with doing. Our neighboring city can get very crazy too. With the Trump campaign and the far right, there are going to be more problems that arise.

Passions are high right now. I want to walk away and know that through all the craziness, I did my part and helped my community.