Today I will work as a Democratic Poll Observer in a Red community just north of my very Blue Ohio town. I went through a few hours of training, have read the legal and procedural manuals, learned how to use the reporting and communications Apps and packed to work. Many questions asked during the training had to do with how to handle vot…
Today I will work as a Democratic Poll Observer in a Red community just north of my very Blue Ohio town. I went through a few hours of training, have read the legal and procedural manuals, learned how to use the reporting and communications Apps and packed to work. Many questions asked during the training had to do with how to handle voter intimidation. In Ohio, voters can legally open carry and have concealed weapons. We are trained to ignore them unless they act threateningly. We are worried, but determined to be there. I’m 69 years old and have been very careful to follow CDC health guidelines throughout the pandemic, but I’ll be at the polls. I’ll be wearing the closest I can get to a HazMat suit (head to toe clothing and PPE), because I believe it’s too important. I’m a recently retired Social Work professor so I believe I can defuse and deescalate tense situations. I’m ready. I’m hoping for a quiet day. Then, I’ll watch the results. Stocked up on chocolate.
Dear Solveig, Chocolate is the antidote for dementors. Thank you very much for the brave work you are doing at the polls. You sound prepared in mind and body. I hope you won't need your deescalatuon skills, but if you do, know that you have Heather's Herd of Hope standing with you. Let us know that you are safe at the end of the day.
I look forward to hearing how your day went, Soveig! Do write again tomorrow. Maybe Heather can pull together the experiences of the poll workers for us.
My day as a Poll Observer is done and it couldn’t have been smoother. Beautiful sunny weather. Great workers. Everyone was nice and respectful. Steady stream of voters with no lines. A few questions and minor issues, but we felt quite good about SE Ohio except for Franklin County near Columbus. They had lots of problems with voting machines and security issues. It’s a Dem dominated county that seems suspiciously targeted. Long story. I’m optimistic overall.
Solveig, My sister has gone through the same training as you, to be a poll observer today. She had to bone up on the use of Apps and steel herself for the unknown. I am so proud and grateful to both of you, and all who are doing this.
Solveig you are a hero. Stay safe and I hope you are able to enjoy the day. And yes: eat chocolate. And I LOVE the title Heather's Herd of Hope. I am owning that. We need t-shirts.
Today I will work as a Democratic Poll Observer in a Red community just north of my very Blue Ohio town. I went through a few hours of training, have read the legal and procedural manuals, learned how to use the reporting and communications Apps and packed to work. Many questions asked during the training had to do with how to handle voter intimidation. In Ohio, voters can legally open carry and have concealed weapons. We are trained to ignore them unless they act threateningly. We are worried, but determined to be there. I’m 69 years old and have been very careful to follow CDC health guidelines throughout the pandemic, but I’ll be at the polls. I’ll be wearing the closest I can get to a HazMat suit (head to toe clothing and PPE), because I believe it’s too important. I’m a recently retired Social Work professor so I believe I can defuse and deescalate tense situations. I’m ready. I’m hoping for a quiet day. Then, I’ll watch the results. Stocked up on chocolate.
Dear Solveig, Chocolate is the antidote for dementors. Thank you very much for the brave work you are doing at the polls. You sound prepared in mind and body. I hope you won't need your deescalatuon skills, but if you do, know that you have Heather's Herd of Hope standing with you. Let us know that you are safe at the end of the day.
"Heather's Herd of Hope" 💙
I look forward to hearing how your day went, Soveig! Do write again tomorrow. Maybe Heather can pull together the experiences of the poll workers for us.
My day as a Poll Observer is done and it couldn’t have been smoother. Beautiful sunny weather. Great workers. Everyone was nice and respectful. Steady stream of voters with no lines. A few questions and minor issues, but we felt quite good about SE Ohio except for Franklin County near Columbus. They had lots of problems with voting machines and security issues. It’s a Dem dominated county that seems suspiciously targeted. Long story. I’m optimistic overall.
Solveig, Good to hear you got home safely and that all went well. Hope your optimism pays off.
Solveig, My sister has gone through the same training as you, to be a poll observer today. She had to bone up on the use of Apps and steel herself for the unknown. I am so proud and grateful to both of you, and all who are doing this.
Solveig you are a hero. Stay safe and I hope you are able to enjoy the day. And yes: eat chocolate. And I LOVE the title Heather's Herd of Hope. I am owning that. We need t-shirts.
Linda, I agree!! I would wear that so proudly!!
Size medium please. Accept by tomorrow that may be a large.
Except
I think that your wish will be granted. the Big Bad Wolf has huffed and puffed and hasn't been able to blow we little piggies' house down.
So proud of you Solveig! You’re a part of the greatest piece of our history! Have a calm but exhilarating day! 💙
Thank you for being there! All your decisions are wise, especially the chocolate.🙂
Thank you, Solveig! I pray for your safety.
Bless you. And let us know how your day went. You are a hero.
Would love to hear from you later; good luck and.....keep that chocolate nearby!
You’re a hero to me. Whatever the outcome, you stepped up. 🇺🇸🥰
Thank you for giving your time and energy, Solveig! We appreciate what you are doing. Stay safe, in every way and enjoy your chocolate!
Many, many thanks to you, Solveig, for your commitment to justice, freedom, and peace.
I'll just add one more to this "Herd of Hope" - good luck today and by all means, stay safe!
Thank you Solveig , for Your service
Finished my chocolate supply at 10:59 a.m. May have to try some liquid snacks next
God Bless for all your doing. VOTED from and watching from the Philippines. I've never been this stressed over an election.