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Denise H.'s avatar

Thank you! As always so insightful! I missed it all today because I did something I’ve never done before. I worked the polling place for the Texas primary. In a church in my neighborhood, I helped from 6am to 8pm, in a large hall with Democrats on one side and Republicans on the other. So moved by the people excited to vote and several for their first time ever at just 18. It was a long day! I had no idea! And as we rushed to set up because the building wasn’t opened on time, and through the day, and in breaking down, we could reach across the”table” and be neighbors with the people working. Helping each other just a bit, especially set up and break down. Share snacks, and hand sanitizer, and laughs. A Republican woman voter came over to use our hand sanitizer and asked if it was okay, we offered a few mints too. She was shocked! Said you’d let me have mints?! Sure, why not! It was a long heartwarming day! I highly recommend it to anyone! Mints are, I assume, way tastier than cannibalism! Really gave me a sense of hope! Highly recommend working the polling place if anyone can! A great day for the democratic process. And in Texas, voting by Democrats is up 296% since 2016! 💪🏽 🇺🇸

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Heather Cox Richardson's avatar

Kudos to you, Denise. This is so wonderful!

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Denise H.'s avatar

Thanks! It was a great experience! And I just woke up again. Very tiring! Everyone should do it at least once in their life!

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MLMinET's avatar

I have worked the polls for several years and had the same good experience. Even the voters are courteous.

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Deborah Howe's avatar

I work the polls in my town and urge any US citizen to do so at least once — you meet neighbors, learn how much care goes into making voting secure and accurate, enjoy conviviality, contribute to a fair process, and help make history. It’s a heartening experience. Democracy isn’t a spectator sport, and ordinary citizens, led by dedicated civil servants, keep the process a participatory one. (And ordinary citizens can also help return enfranchisement to the disenfranchised by volunteering with organizations assembled to promote free and fair elections and the right to vote.)

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Denise H.'s avatar

That’s how I got involved! I joined a democratic women’s group. The friend who got me started tells me “you’ve found your like minded tribe.” Hard to do in Texas!

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Sharon Mudgett's avatar

Denise Huddle, it sounds like your day was well spent. Love the hand sanitizer and mints nuggets. Hearing about the outstanding Democratic voter turnout in Texas did my heart good.

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Denise H.'s avatar

Mine too! Don’t know if the emotions are hope or complete utter exhaustion!

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Sharon Mudgett's avatar

I choose "hope"

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ClaireBlue's avatar

Thank you for volunteering and for sharing this! From one election officer to another, I agree wholeheartedly on how uplifting an experience it is working at the polls.

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Julie's avatar

That is great news that voting by Democrats is up 296%!.

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