In the quiet hours before dawn on November 4, 2025, a small group gathers (you could say mobilizes) at schools, libraries, courthouses, assisted living communities and other public buildings. Many bring their own coffee. They have a common task and a common cause. Helping folks vote. Letting them have a say on whatever issues are on the ballot. Some are paid. Some are volunteers. Some are members of a political party. But all have taken an oath – a vow – to serve in a non-partisan capacity. Some are veterans of past elections. Some are “Newbies” like me. Some had hours of training. Some got tossed in at the last minute.
They are election workers — the dedicated citizens who staff the polls and try to make sure that the “average Joe and Jane Citizen” can exercise their fundamental right to vote. This commitment, often a grueling, day-long effort, is the essential, non-partisan engine that drives our democratic process.
During the recent 2025 Connecticut municipal elections, the sheer dedication of these individuals was an impressive sight. In a single polling location within one small city, a team of just five to ten people worked for hours each day, from the initial period of early voting through Election Day itself. For the general election, the election workers spanned a grueling 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., 16-hour (or longer) marathon to keep the polls open and accessible to the public.
The men and women working the polls are the face of non-partisan civic duty. They are on the front lines, guiding the electorate, verifying eligibility, and ensuring every voter can make their own choice free of external pressure. The methodical process they oversee is designed for both clarity and security. At just one station, nearly 1,700 voters were guided through the exact same steps on Election Day alone.
The consistency of their service is paramount. Every voter received a clear, concise instruction, emphasizing the integrity of their ballot. They would explain: “Here is your ballot, it is two-sided, and there are instructions on the ballot. I invite you to use a privacy envelope (a manilla file folder) if you wish.” The final steps of the process focused entirely on making sure the voter’s choices were successfully recorded: “Use the pen in the privacy booth to mark your ballot. Then take your ballot to the tabulator station and deposit it as instructed. Wait a few seconds. If there are any issues, the machine will let you know and you can correct anything to make sure your vote counts.”
Vigilance is crucial. The process is not always seamless. While almost everyone who came was ultimately able to cast a ballot, the poll workers had to be ready for challenges. They faced situations where voters were listed as “inactive” in the system, where residents had just moved to the city, or where individuals were not yet registered to vote. Navigating these issues requires patience, expertise, and a steadfast dedication to the ideal of universal access.
While the exact number of folks who voted in the November 2025 election is not known (because each state keeps separate records of voters), some estimate that 20 million Americans went to the polls.
These scenes of quiet, civic labor unfold in towns across the country, showcasing the determined resolve of the voters and the deep commitment of the poll workers. They are the neighbors and community members who put in the long hours to protect the right of self-governance. Their work is a powerful, inspiring reminder that this non-partisan process — where citizens help citizens to cast a ballot and make their choice — is truly the essence of our freedom.