INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Some do it for deeply entrenched patriotic reasons, others because they just don’t want to call it a day and have little to do after retirement.
And some do it for the friendships that they have created over the years.
Their reasons are vast and the pay rather small but each election year some 300 people in Indian River County help man the elections.
On Tuesday those poll workers were recognized by the Indian River County Board of Commissioners and the treated to a holiday party at the Supervisor of Elections Office.
All the food and gifts were donated, said Leslie Swan, the supervisor of elections.
“This has been wonderful,” said Pat York, a poll worker from Sebastian following the mornings events. “They are all so really nice and they treat everyone special.”
Earning special recognition was York’s mother, Gladys York. Gladys York started working election polls about 30 years ago and has done it for several Florida counties.
And even at the age of 92, she doesn’t intended to stop anytime soon.
“I’d hate to do nothing now that I’m retired,” Gladys York said.
The Yorks and some 175 others who attended the luncheon were given copies of a proclamation that referred to them as the “gaterkeeps of democracy” and recognized them for “their tireless efforts and willingness to give of their energy, talent and resources to ensure every eligible voter has the opportunity to cast their vote.”
