Local Elections Secure Say Poll Workers

AREA TOWNS – Despite concerns about mail-in voting, local poll workers say the process is secure. In a tumultuous time with trust in institutions declining, local poll workers want voters to know they can be trusted.

Judy Pransky, the Cabot Justice of the Peace, mans the entrance to the poll in Cabot on November 5. photo
by Catherine Morrissey

On election day, many Vermonters volunteered as official poll workers, running polling places and handling ballots.

The common thread among them was they believed in democracy and in voters. Integrity is something integral to them.

Elaine Parker (from left), Chris Ditmeyer and Assistant Town Clerk Kristin Broskey prepare to greet voters in Plainfield on November 5.
photo by Catherine Morrissey

In Plainfield, poll worker Elaine Parker said she tried to create a sense of community among what can feel divisive.

She believes there is something inherently human about voting in person.

“I see more and more that people are a little uncomfortable with putting their ballot in a mailbox, especially because the postal service is not well funded in this country and they’re really stressed,” she said. “I also think there’s something really special about voting in person.”

She understands the anxiety around voting fraud, but wants to ensure that the ballots and their journey are in good hands. Every procedure is done with attention to regulated processes.

Plainfield poll workers Elaine Parker (left) and Chris Ditmeyer check voters into the polls.
photo by Kate Lewton

Scott Robins, official poll worker, speaking with another town resident, volunteers on election day in Calais.
photo by Catherine Morrissey

“Partly due to our size, there are just so many eyes looking at everything. We have a set procedure and I don’t see how there could be fraud,” she said.

“But that’s a widespread belief in this country now. So you have to be sure. That’s why we’re being very careful.”

In nearby Marshfield, select board member Michele Gonzales has mixed feelings regarding the increase of mail-in voting. She credits it with bringing in new voters, but also creating a new hassle for poll workers.

“Personally, I don’t like it,” she said. “I am absolutely for paper balloting, but I think it has in the long run created more work. It was necessary during Covid-19, but it should now be done.”

Michelle Gonzales (left) greets a voter at the Old Schoolhouse Common in Marshfield on November 5.
photo by Kate Lewton

Prior to election day, the town received about 550 mail-in ballots, creating more behind the scenes work. However, she said she believed they would be done by 10 p.m. on election night.

Marshfield Town Clerk Bobbi Brimblecomb expressed confidence in the process, despite worries around mail-in ballots being received by voters. She said the only issues Marshfield had were due to changes in mailing addresses, which were quickly resolved.

Select Board Member Michelle Gonzalez (left to right) with a town resident and Town Clerk Bobbi Brimblecomb, presiding officer of the Marshfield election.
photo by Kate Lewton

“People trust us to know that their ballot is going to be counted and handled properly. We have room for volunteers, so anybody that expresses interest, we invite them to come and either watch the process or be a part of it, and I think that helps foster trust in the system,” she said.

In Cabot, Justice of the Peace Judy Pransky has participated in many elections. She said voter participation was high, even as she expressed concerns about mail-in voting.

“Do I think voting by mail is a good thing? Not until mail is improved. Or at least drop it back 10 years when it was really good, you got your mail,” she said.