Working as a polling clerk
Wow! What a fascinating election result! I am interested again. I wonder what will happen next? But I won’t go on about politics in this blog. Might save that for Twitter 😀. Working as a polling clerk was an eye opener. I was stunned at how politically ignorant some people are. Several people looked at their ballot paper quizzically and asked why they couldn’t see Corbin, May or whoever. We had to explain that they were voting for their local MP and that if they won the seat it would be a plus score for the political party that they preferred.
Some seemed to think it was a local election, even though we only had one of those back in May. One lady had a rant at us about everything that was wrong with the government and we had to explain that we weren’t political candidates, just clerical staff. She said ‘Well, you’re lucky I voted at all’ and flounced off, leaving is to ponder this great favour.
I was very pleased to see so many young people in, often voting for the first time. This election appears to have really caught their attention and increased their interest in politics.
I lost my voice….
I didn’t realise how much talking I would need to do. The polling station was very busy and I had to repeatedly explain the process as the voters came and went. My voice is shot to peices today! I am keeping my head down and being quiet at work today (for a change!). It was a long day, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I hope we don’t have another snap election any time soon. It if we do I will be happy to volunteer!
Short and sweet today as I am dog tired from my polling clerk efforts. I have lots to do at the weekend too – eBay listings, cleaning, sorting a meal plan and food shopping, plus a little gardening. Whoever wins a General Election, life goes on….
Margaret Powling says
Nothing surprises me any more about the ignorance of the general public. Thanks for that brief glimpse into your day as a polling clerk!
Margaret P
Kelley B says
Nice to hear young people turned out to vote…I work in the medical field and people still amaze me every day…
shoestringjane@outlook.com says
I can imagine, Kelley. Some people don’t help themselves when it comes to their health
Eloise at. thisissixty.blog says
The ignorance of (some of) the general public is quite incredible. A woman at work, age 27, asked me “so what’s all this voting stuff about then?” When I said (somewhat amazed) that it was a general election she asked “but what does that actually mean?”
My daughter in law has worked at the polling station in the past and her stories are similar to yours It is very sad.
chris says
Oh dear, how horrific that they were voting age and so ignorant, certainly an eye opener for you and me!
Julia says
When my family lived in America, the whole was political process and how it worked in America was covered in 12th grade (17-18 y/o) in a half a year class . It was compulsory and passing that subject was required for graduation!
The other half a year was spent taking financial literacy class – budgeting, personal banking, taxes and even how the stock markets work, and how to invest!
The same ought to be done here for all 15-16 y/o’s before they leave.
shoestringjane@outlook.com says
Not sure that has done the Americans much good . Totally agree though
Eloise at. thisissixty.blog says
I think that is such a great idea. One which we should definitely adopt