What it was like to be a poll worker or a campaign intern on election day
Two students who were too-young-to-vote found ways to participate in the November election as a poll worker and a campaign intern, respectively
Obel
Junior Sammy Obel hands out flyers for State Rep. Robyn Gable’s campaign on Nov. 3
Junior Sammy Obel felt excited as she headed to Evanston to pass out sample ballots on Election Day. Meanwhile, Junior Sydney Durdov rose at 4:30 a.m. to help prepare the polls for voters. The two were among many students who found ways to help out in the election process even though they are not yet old enough to vote.
Students over 17, however, were eligible to become poll workers.
Durdov heard about the opportunity to be a poll worker through one of her American Studies teachers. On Election Day, she set up her station, put on a mask, and got straight to work.
“I thought it would be interesting to do because I had never really known much about how elections work, especially at the polling places. I thought that this would be a good opportunity for me to be a part of this election,” said Durdov.
To prepare, she completed a lengthy training course that provided her with information and videos explaining her responsibilities.
Once set up at her location, Durdov performed many different functions, including handing out paper ballots, checking voters in, and helping voters get set up with paper and touch screen-ballots.
Obel worked as an intern for Illinois State Rep. Robyn Gabel’s reelection campaign. She started working as an intern with the campaign back in July. She has been active passing out ballots, phone banking, using social media, and more.
“Even though I cannot vote, I still wanted to help out because whoever is the president and our state representative…does affect our lives,” said Obel.
Obel wasn’t a poll worker, so she didn’t need to go through training. But she was instructed about what to say and how to treat voters (very nicely). She felt inspired by meeting so many people.
Durdov said that she would work as a poll worker for the next presidential election because she said it was a great experience from which she learned a lot. Obel, too, seems hooked on politics. She said that she would love to continue helping Gabel and assist in the next election— when she and Durdov will be old enough to cast their own ballots.