Polling sites are open for voting on today from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.  (Provided photo — Diane Chase)

I am once again working the election as a poll worker. I think once a person is on that particular list, the Board of Elections isn’t going to turn down someone willing to work. For me, it’s always a learning experience. I am thankful for all the people working alongside me. Even being a small part of our electoral process helps me cancel out the noise and negativity. Plus, I get to see so many familiar faces.

One frequently asked question is why people are not required to show identification when checking in. Although this is an oversimplification of a complex issue, I will refer to the 2002 Help America Vote Act, signed into law by George W. Bush. The law states that first-time voters must provide proper identification with their voter registration application. If ID isn’t provided upon registering, then the potential voter must show identification the first time they vote at the poll site. After that first time, ID is not required.

Poll workers are temporary workers assigned to a polling (voting) location within their county. It isn’t a volunteer position. Applications are completed and background checks are conducted. There is a mandatory training session ending with a test. The training is informative and manageable. All new poll workers are assigned to work with experienced people at the polling location. Every step has checks and balances, whether it’s preparing the site for voting, setting up the voting equipment, signing in and processing voters, demonstrating voting procedures, or assisting voters as needed. There must be representation from both major political parties for the poll site to open and a voting machine or poll pad to be set up. There are two sets of keys, locks, numbered tabs and tickets. It’s a very organized process.

We rotate jobs throughout the day so we can become familiar with all the various tasks. For the most part, voters are patient. It usually has nothing to do with voting, but having to be at two places at the same time. I understand. I do love seeing parents bring their children to demonstrate the importance of voting. There is the bonus of passing out a “Future Voter” sticker. There are always questions I can’t answer, so I am grateful to my experienced poll workers and the ability to call the Board of Elections. I encourage anyone interested in becoming an election worker to contact their county’s Board of Elections.

If you don’t know if your voter registration is up to date, please check out voterlookup.elections.ny.gov. Please keep in mind, as you go to your specific polling site, you may not know the election workers, but they are still your neighbors, community members, coworkers, family or future friends. Be kind.