I’m Karen Bratburd, a poll worker in Hamilton County. Frustrated in seeing the deterioration of voting rights, signing up as a poll worker became my way of fighting back. Having worked five elections in Hamilton County, I have found it rewarding in unanticipated and surprising ways.
I love creating a welcoming environment where voters have a great user experience. I enjoy being part of a team of people from disparate backgrounds coming together working towards a common goal. Everyone chooses to be there for one reason only: to ensure that elections are safe, secure, and as smooth as possible.
While I never had any concerns about election integrity, seeing what goes on behind the scenes provides a dramatically different perspective. Anyone who has ever questioned election integrity should sign up as a poll worker.
I particularly enjoy seeing families coming out to vote together. Mom and Dad voting, patiently explaining the process to their three young children in tow. And oh, the stickers. You would be amazed how grown adults, with mortgages, taxes and adulting responsibilities, get so excited about receiving their sticker for a job well done. When the family of five finishes, I find myself turning into a version of Oprah giving away cars: “YOU get a sticker and YOU get a sticker and YOU get a sticker!!” The kids get excited about stickers too, because, of course they do. But rarely are the kids more excited than the adults.
So, my favorite part about working the polls? Probably the stickers. And oh yeah, preserving democracy.
Join me and other poll workers at the Election Protection Summit on July 13 in Columbus! Together, we can make sure all Ohioans who vote have a great experience — and get some EP swag while we’re there!
Karen Bratburd, Hamilton County Poll Worker
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