“The ELCA holds to the biblical idea that God calls God’s people to be active citizens and to ensure that everyone benefits from the good of government.”- ELCA Social Message, Government and Civic Engagement: Discipleship in a Democracy
As we prepare for the General Election on Nov. 5, LAMPa encourages people of faith to sign up to be a part of our Election Support Network. Lutheran advocates and staff have been reaching out to county election offices across the Commonwealth to thank them for their service, offer prayers and ask about ways to offer support. Some need more poll workers. Others might need new polling places. Others would appreciate continued prayers and community contacts for support. This network is intended to connect the needs of elections offices in every county with a community of support to turn to as needs arise. This is a simple, yet important, way to live out our call to be active citizens.
Poll workers ensure that democracy functions smoothly. They are the ones making sure each vote is counted, and each citizen is able to use their voice to help us collectively form our more perfect union.
Here is information from the PA Department of State on the benefits and requirements to be a poll worker:
Benefits of Being a Poll Worker
- Learn about elections in Pennsylvania
- Gain valuable experience
- Get paid for trainings and Election Day
- Help your local community
- Be a champion of democracy
Requirements
- In general, you must be registered to vote in the county where you wish to work at the polls. (Exceptions exist for 17-year-old high school students, who must meet additional requirements. High school students should contact their county election office for more information).
- Government officials and government employees are not allowed to serve as poll workers. Exceptions exist for district judges, notaries public, and members of the Pennsylvania National Guard. Likewise, you are generally not allowed to serve if your name appears on the ballot.
- Poll workers generally work for the entire day on Election Day, from before the time the polls open at 7:00 am until after the polls close at 8:00 pm.
Susan Barclay, who serves on LAMPa’s Policy Council, also has served her community as a poll worker for the last four years. She encourages others to sign up, even if they have not done it before, saying, “I was nervous the first time I did this work. But we need people to do the job. The day is long but I feel good at the end of the day knowing that I have done my civic duty.”
Poll workers set the tone for voting in their precinct. “I love bringing my small children with me to the polls, because I know our precinct is well-run and the workers will be kind to them, and generous with the ‘I Voted’ stickers, which is always the highlight of the trip,” says LAMPa’s Communications and Advocacy Engagement Manager, Pastor Erin Jones. Barclay also enjoys celebrating first-time voters in her precinct, “We make a big deal out of this. High fives and hooplas are in order!”
LAMPa’s Director, Tracey DePasquale, has served as a judge of elections in her precinct, and echoes the desires of many election officials for new poll workers. “Those I have worked with for years are so faithful and dedicated, and we need new and younger workers to sign up and learn from them to ensure that this system is sustained for years to come.”
Even students as young as 17 can be poll workers! Find out more here.
Can a Lutheran in another state help this effort from afar?
Absolutely! The best way to do that is to join the ELCA Election Activators Network (https://blogs.elca.org/advocacy/elca-election-activator-network/), which can link you to what is happening in your state and beyond!