You have been an election poll worker for more than two decades. What made you sign up to work the polls?

A co-worker who volunteered for each election told me about working the polls, so I signed up as a volunteer and found it to be rewarding. My first assignment was assistant manager; and I was told by the manager after working several elections that he wanted me to be manager of the Georgetown precinct.

There is nothing more rewarding than to see voters exercise their voting rights.

Being able to provide assistance to voters on election day is rewarding for me.

For a number of years, you managed the Georgetown precinct. Please describe a typical election day at a polling precinct.

On a typical election day, we arrive at the precinct at 6 a.m.

The poll workers ensure all signs are posted, stations are set-up, voting machines are operating properly for when the polls open at 7 a.m.

The atmosphere at Georgetown precinct was warm and welcoming.

The workers at Georgetown were like family.

We knew that we would be with each other from 6 in the morning until about 8 at night so we prepared covered dishes for a hearty and delicious meal. We had some of the best cooks in town. We recognized birthdays of workers with cards and any other expression one wished to share.

We shared stories about our families, vacations and information about the voting process during slow times.

We were such a family that at Christmas, we planned a Christmas fellowship where designated workers would plan and organize the fellowship and we would all go to a selected restaurant -- Dutch treat of course -- exchange cards and gifts, play games and enjoy each other's company.

Now that you are an area manager, what are your election-day responsibilities?

My election day responsibilities are to insure that my assigned precincts are operating as required by state and federal regulations.

I check with my five precincts on Monday to ensure that they have the correct equipment, and ensure that they have received all materials for election day.

On Tuesday, I report to my assigned precincts to insure they are up and all is going well.

If there is a concern that a manager cannot handle, managers of my assigned precincts contact me.

I will give them the solution, resolve the situation, or I will refer them to the proper person to get the information that they need.

At the end of the day, I report to the Government Center to receive all election materials from managers for assigned precincts.

As a lifelong Columbus resident, how have you seen your hometown change through the years?

I have seen some positive growth in race relations, citizen and business growth and improvement in social activities for citizens and visitors to enjoy.

I have witnessed more and more citizens registering and exercising their right to vote, which is most rewarding.

I would like to see a mass registration drive with the goal of getting 100 percent of Columbus citizens registered to vote.

What is the best kept secret in Columbus?

Columbus registered voters without a picture ID can get one made at the Elections Office at no cost.

Columbus registered voters 70 years of age and older can request an absentee ballot by calling the Elections Office.