The Power of Poll Greeting
at the polls or at the grocery store
This a time of tremendous opportunity.
You, like me, may have grown up right after World War II when our parents were still stunned by news of the unspeakable brutality coming out of central Europe. I heard adults say, “Why didn’t the people over there stop it?”
Now in America we must answer this question, not with words but with action.
Our advantage is that most Americans like democracy, in the sense that we have at least two major political parties and that everyone’s vote counts. Now we have to save it, then we can work to improve it. This is the Democratic Party plan.
“We” is the keyword. In a democracy there’s not really a majority until the majority votes. But many of us don’t think our vote matters. Or we don’t connect our family’s healthcare, taxes and education to our vote.
For the past year and a half, together we’ve worked hundreds of hours to lay a foundation for the next two and a half weeks. I have to confess to you that for the first time in my life, I’ve signed up to be a poll greeter. Arriving at the polls as a voter, I’ve always been glad for a handout defining my party’s recommendations. I just never pictured myself being the one who offers it.
But now I’m eager to give information to others who may share my values. This is not about me, and these voters are not strangers. It’s about shoring up our democracy.
The other day our party secretary Peggy Reed held poll greeter training at Democratic HQ. I think it would have been helpful for anyone who cares about getting out the vote. Greeting a voter doesn’t have to be at the polls. It can be at the grocery store, the bakery or the library.
I learned that Poll Greeters:
Welcome all voters with a friendly face; don’t be aggressive.
Keep a respectful distance; let facial expressions and body language guide you.
Don’t engage in arguments; walk away.
Don’t criticize Republican candidates or policies.
Ask voters if they want information about judges and local candidates; offer rack cards. Here are two handouts that you can pick up at Dem HQ and share with friends:
Remind voters to vote for all, and only, Democratic candidates. For Board of Commissioners this year, vote for the ONE Democrat (Lauren Wise) and then press NEXT.
All Early Voting takes place at the Election Center, 150 S. Gaston St. in Brevard:
In addition, on Election Day the polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at your precinct location.
Here’s how to volunteer in Transylvania County. We need you!
Our Early-Voting Poll Greeters Coordinator, Lauren Norton, tells me we have only four 2-hour slots still open.
To volunteer to be a Poll Greeter on Election Day, November 8, or to staff the office or phone bank, or to pick up candidates’ signs for your yard, contact Democratic Headquarters 227 Rosman Highway, Brevard; 828-877-5225. (Enjoy this website!)
If you don’t live in Transylvania County, call your Democratic Party or Election Center for your own county’s voting information.
In these chaotic weeks before November 8, 2022, it’s easy to turn worry into action. Call 5 friends and ask them if they’d like Early Voting information. Ask them to call 5 friends.
In America everyone’s vote has the power to help shape our future. Especially if you don’t use it.
Thanks for posting this, Deda! I have worked as a poll greeter and election worker, and both were very enjoyable and educational. All my fingers are crossed for good weather on Election Day!
Thank you for the valuable information and reminder that our democracy depends upon voters voting BLUE...our rights to choice, social security, medicare, education, a living wage, a healthy climate all depends upon legislators who will vote for us!!