Your Democracy Heroes

Meet Your Local Poll Workers

Election workers are integral to the election process. During early voting and on Election Day, they provide essential services such as setting up the voting equipment, checking in voters, processing ballots, assisting voters with special needs, and closing down and securing the voting site at the end of the day. Join us as we spotlight their efforts week-to-week, and meet a few of your local poll workers in North Carolina. They are our Democracy Heroes, who make sure your vote counts.

Taz Kim | Watauga County

Assistant Election Official, Site Manager, and Chief Judge

Taz’s Reason for Serving

“(I) served in the United States Air Force for 20 years. Upon my retirement, I still felt compelled to serve.”

Favorite Part of the Job

“The most rewarding part is hearing a nervous first-time voter’s sigh of relief in successfully registering and casting their ballot.”

On Safeguarding Elections

“I am grateful my fellow election officials are observant and communicative about potential security threat(s). I am very appreciative of my fellow election officials whenever I provide site-specific security protocols.”

Posted: April 30, 2021

Peggy Defenderfer | Wake County

Site Supervisor/Chief Judge

Peggy’s Reason for Serving

“Voting is a right and a privilege. I work to make sure every eligible voter has a chance to cast their ballot. Working allows me to give back to my community. I love being able to help people.”

Favorite Part of the Job

“Helping brand new American citizens register and vote. Many of them come straight from their swearing in ceremony to vote. They are so proud to show us their certificate!”

On Safeguarding Elections

“I have been amazed at how hard our board works to keep elections secure. During our superb training we are taught how to keep our sites secure.”

Posted: April 14, 2021

Merldean Wilmore | Johnston County

Early Voting Site Manager/Chief Judge

Merldean’s Reason for Serving

“I’m a people person, and I love serving others. It’s also rewarding to know that I had a small part in helping people to exercise their right to vote.”

Favorite Part of the Job

“It’s so rewarding seeing the smiles on so many people’s faces and hearing them say ‘I’ve done my part’ as they leave.”

On Safeguarding Elections

“It takes the whole team to be observant to ensure people are safe in the voting place. We must remain calm and friendly at all times.”

Posted: April 14, 2021

Roderick Back | Forsyth County

Site Lead/Chief Judge

Roderick’s Reason for Serving

“I feel it is crucial to our way of life to make the voting process available to everyone who is eligible.”

Favorite Part of the Job

“The most rewarding part of the process is the look of determination on the face of both the first-time voter and the octogenarian who has not missed voting in their adult life.”

On Safeguarding Elections

“I can honestly say that in North Carolina the security of every ballot is paramount to making sure every vote counts and there is no interference or manipulating of the system.”

Posted: April 14, 2021

How to Be a Democracy Hero

During each election season, county boards of elections search for workers to staff polling places and voting sites. Visit Become an Election Official for more information.

Step Into the Spotlight

Are you an election worker who would like to be featured on this page? Contact your county board of elections for details on how to enter.