INDIANAPOLIS — For nearly 15-years, Erin Kelley has been a poll worker in several elections.
"Your number one job is to help people get to exercise one of the great rights we have in a democracy," Kelley said. "To actually be part of a process that makes America work is really rewarding."
However, Kelley says coronavirus concerns kept her from working Indiana's 2020 primary election. "I have a couple of elderly parents I help take care of. At that point in our knowledge about the coronavirus, I didn't feel comfortable putting them at risk," Kelley said.
Secretary of State Connie Lawson addressed those concerns for poll workers during Governor Holcomb's weekly coronavirus update. Along with stressing the need for people to work the polls, Lawson says all voting centers will be provided PPE for everyone, workers and voters alike.
Kelley says she's happy to hear voting locations will be better prepared for the general election. That'll help poll workers be able to focus on the usual issues they run into, according to Kelley
"I think one of the things that will remain the same regardless of the virus is people will have questions on the Election Day," Kelley said "That process of voting, of showing your ID, checking your name in the poll book, figuring out the equipment. It suddenly can become an intimidating process. That's one of the greatest joys I always took away from being a poll worker is that you're there to help everyone vote."
Because of the trying circumstances surrounding this election, there will inevitably be some problems if you go vote in person. Erin says you should be patient with the poll workers. "The poll workers, those are your friends, neighbors, colleagues, people you go to church with. These aren't professional election staff. They're everyday people, so grant them a little grace as well as they're trying to navigate this election during a pandemic."
