Organizing an election is an involved process anywhere in the state, and in Seneca County it would not be possible without the help of the many men and women who spend long days working the polls.
For 13 hours a day during the election, workers are available at each precinct to help voters. Jane Sheeley, deputy director for the Seneca County Board of Elections, said operations would not be possible without them.
"They're just all wonderful people and we appreciate all they do," she said. "They're fantastic and we really appreciate them helping year after year."
Gratitude also was given by members of the elections board.
"All board members appreciate the dedication and sacrifice these folks make," said board member Charles Knight. "They are dedicated servants to their neighbors."
For some poll workers, putting in the time is not just a matter of civic pride, but also a fun experience.
Fact Box
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The Seneca County Board of Elections is always looking for people to help work the polls at primary and general elections. To get involved, visit www.electionsonthe.net
/oh/seneca or call (419) 447-4424.
"Being part of the election, it's a long time, but it's very interesting," said Nancy Kimmet, 74. "I like to be part of it. It keeps my interest."
Kimmet, who has worked at Seneca A and B for 12 years, started after the suggestion of a friend, who had moved away and left the spot open. Having an interest in the process, Kimmet said she was happy to help and has been doing it ever since.
Janet Booth, 86, started working the polls 30 years ago while she still was teaching. Her husband, Bob Booth, was a former Tiffin mayor and represented Tiffin 1B on the Democratic Central Committee, so she decided she would work the polls for the precinct.
"I get to know all of my neighbors," she said. "I get to see people I've never seen before. It's a good neighbor thing; I enjoy it."
Now that she has retired, Booth said it is an activity she enjoys doing during the year.
Alma Moffett, 72, said she also took up work at the polls to fill in for a friend and six years ago decided to help each year with Tiffin 1C.
"I was retired and thought it would be nice," she said. "It's interesting, and I meet a lot of people."
For 35 years, Barb Egbert has worked at Tiffin 4A.
"There was a vacancy and I was asked if I wanted to work," said Egbert, 76. "I"m interested in what goes on at the polls and the people."
For some workers, the job has changed dramatically since they started. Egbert said she liked the previous system which used punch cards, but said the new machines were easy to understand and are an upgrade.
Booth said she appreciates the training which is offered to workers each year to keep them up to date as laws and technology change.
"Boy, you need it every time here to get you up to date," Booth said.
There also have been changes to how identity is checked, as poll workers have to verify voters through a picture ID and signature.
"I think that's a good thing," Egbert said. "That's the biggest change."
Booth joked poll workers did not have to check IDs in the past because they knew everyone who came to vote.
For these poll workers, the primary and general elections are a great chance to give back to the community, and they said they hope to continue to work for years to come.
"As long as I can keep going, I'll keep working," Booth said.
