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.

Marie Boags | Catawba County

Judge

Marie’s Favorite Part of Election Work

“Seeing people happy about the voting process and relieved that they were able to vote.”

Importance of Serving Others

“It was heartwarming to see all the new voters and talk with people through their fears of registering to vote.”

Making a Difference in Your Community

“I would recommend it because it is internally rewarding knowing you’re helping people make a difference in their community.”

Posted: Oct. 15, 2021

Janice Tolbert | Watauga County

Site Manager and Judge

Janice’s Favorite Part of the Job

“I love renewing friendships with our local elections office staff and getting to know my coworkers as well as meeting all the other workers in the county when we have our in-person training sessions.”

Why Others Should Serve

“We need good honest people to help with the voting process. Although it is a paid position, most of the workers enjoy the work and want to work year after year.”

On Election Security

“We learned how to keep our ballots, equipment, materials, and site secure. It was good to know that our local law enforcement departments were supporting us and were available if we needed them.”

Posted: Oct. 1, 2021

Bobby Horner | Person County

Election Worker

Bobby’s Call to Serve

“I had always wanted to do it but my work schedule always had me out of town during election time. My job was terminated in March 2020 due to COVID. I decided during the summer that I wanted to give it a try. Completed my application and was contacted by Person County Board of Elections.”

Stepping Up Where Needed

“I started the first week of September (2020) working on getting out absentee ballots. I did that all the way up until early voting started. Second, by working in the BOE office I worked on supply kits for each precinct and organized all those with the tabulators for pick up and delivery to each precinct. During the election, I did a little bit of all tasks. Started on the first day checking in voters. During the course of early voting and Election Day, I worked in all positions wherever I was needed.”

What Others Can Learn About the Elections Process

“When I was in school we had a civics class. This is not taught in school today. There is a lot of things going on each day that people don’t realize. It’s not just checking a person in to vote.”

Posted: Sept. 3, 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.