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.

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

Gwen Beasley | Cumberland County

Chief Judge

Why Gwen Chooses Election Work

“I love helping people be able to exercise their right to vote and inform them of the voting process. The public has so many questions and concerns about voting but don’t know who to ask. Many people in the community know that I have done this work for many years and seek me out for information. It pleases me to answer questions and clarify mistruths about elections to my friends and the general community.”

Benefits of Serving in Elections

“It is rewarding and interesting to learn the ‘ins and outs’ of elections. To be a part of democracy in action, to share in the voting process and to be able to attest to the honesty and integrity of the local board of elections, poll workers and election process.”

On Securing Elections

“Elections security is vital and of the utmost importance to election officials. Every measure conceivable is put in place to ensure a fair and honest election.”

Posted: Aug. 20, 2021

Deborah Morrow-Ryan | Brunswick County

Chief Judge

Why Deborah Chooses Election Work

“I really just enjoy working the elections, helping make sure people get their vote in. I enjoy the voters and my fellow workers.”

Approach to Leadership

“Since becoming Chief Judge, I’ve worked really hard to make sure the working experience is as pleasant as possible for the assistants.”

On Election Security

“There are so many controls in place when one physically comes in to vote. No one can be checked in twice yet provisionals allow for correction of check-in errors. We always have sufficient headcount to make sure no one can walk out with their ballot.”

Posted: Aug. 6, 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.