I served as a poll observer at the La Plata County Fairgrounds Voter Service and Polling Center. Such a center is different from the precinct of years past, not just because voters who want or need to cast a ballot in person have to travel beyond their neighborhood, but because Colorado’s election laws and poll workers actually serve voters.
As a poll observer, I observed a smooth operation conducted by a group of friendly and competent poll workers, some of whom are county employees, and others who volunteered their time – including some very impressive high-schoolers. These individuals worked from 6:30 a.m. until well after 7 p.m. Most did not take a break for lunch or for dinner.
The main goal of each poll worker was simple, and it was clear: Make sure each eligible person who desired to cast a ballot was able to cast a ballot. They served the voters by solving voter registration problems. They developed efficient systems to address long lines and (relatively) time-consuming paperwork and to organize the three different methods by which voters could vote. They did not stop for more than 12 hours!
My job was to ensure that every eligible voter who wanted to cast a ballot could. I did not have to do much work. The poll workers did their jobs well, and they made me proud of our democracy.
Of course, it helps tremendously that Colorado’s voting laws do not result in potential voters being turned away. The laws of our great state allow people to register or update their address and cast a ballot (not just a provisional ballot) on Election Day. The laws do not require voters to present photo identification, rather, they honor other valid forms of identification. The laws do not penalize voters who lost, made a mistake on or never received a mail-in ballot.
Thanks to our state legislators who made these voter-friendly laws. Thank you to our poll workers who served all of us so well. And thank you to everyone who voted.
Eleni Albrechta
Durango
