This year, I was honored to be selected to serve as a Poll Worker/Election Official in November’s general election.
Being a poll worker allowed me to put my customer service skills as an Advertising Account Manager to good use when assisting voters coming in and out of the precinct. It was challenging work that took many hours of in-person and on-line training, but so worth the effort to use my current skill sets in a different environment.
In my current position at SCG, I need to have strong multi-tasking and communication skills in order to work with team members, clients and vendors. Since a poll worker handles all aspects of the voting process from precinct set-up, voter check-in, record updates, ballot distribution, and even passing out those little “thank you for voting” stickers, my skills at SCG helped considerably.
It was great to see individuals from every generation casting their votes. We had a first-time voter that got our applause when his dad brought him to vote for the first time. The son was a bit embarrassed, but our team was impressed! We also had several individuals who required assistance; they were determined to get through the check-in process and cast their ballot! Many new citizens were excited to be voting for the very first time! Even a few quick rainstorms didn’t stop people from lining up at our door.
It was a very long 14+ hour day. But when you finally clock-out and you tear down tables and pack-up bins, you feel like you’ve accomplished something very important. I enjoyed doing my part while using old skills and learning new ones. I hope to do it again for the next election(s).
(Although I’m employed full-time with SCG, I’m glad they give me the ability to take a day off in order to use my skills in a different environment. Thanks, SCG!)
