Old and young poll workers talk about why they do it

FAYETTE/BOURBON COUNTIES, Ky. (WTVQ) — Not until the pandemic did we classify poll worker as a risky position and since most workers are older and more susceptible to getting COVID-19, the state asked for younger volunteers.

We found both young and old willing to put themselves at-risk so you can vote.

“It’s a fulfilling thing to do and I’ve been honored to be here, actually I’m proud to do it,” says Fayette County poll worker Lorraine Butler.

Butler’s working her second election. Despite the pandemic she’s taking the health risk.

“I’s my duty to do this and ya know, all the people in there feel the same,” says Butler.

She says in Lexington she feels safe with all the precautionary measures in place.

That’s how Robert Fuller feels in Bourbon County where he’s been a poll worker for a decade. And, though he feels safe he’s also counting on the voters to do their part.

“Rrelying on the community to be aware of their own susceptibility and try to protect me as much as they can within reason,” says poll worker Robert Fuller.

The risk is worth it to him, in part, because of the satisfaction he gets from helping first-time voters.

“I know you’ve never done this before, this is the process, this is how it works and, if you have any questions raise your hand,” says he says with a smile.

Morehead State student Mick Seither is one of the young people stepping up to protect those more at-risk in his hometown of Paris.

“Most election workers are over the age of 70 and over the age 60,” says poll worker Mick Seither. “They’re part of the very dangerous demographics right now to be exposed to the public so if I can take somebody’s place I’m happy to do it.”

It’s an hour drive from Morehead to Paris. He says he could work a job closer but doesn’t want to.

“It’s a lot more fulfilling to do election work,” says Seither. “I feel like I’m making a difference and serving my country.”

Though he wants to protect, Seither says we need to commend the older generations still willing, during a pandemic, to do this important work.

“It’s more dangerous for them to work and they’re still doing it and doing a great job at it,” says Seither.

Young and old putting themselves at-risk so the rest can exercise their right to vote.