Election procedures often ripple through generations, as exemplified by Larry Albert, a precinct chair rooted in Delhi Township. Albert commenced his expedition into election workings in 2000. It was a year rife with unprecedented happenings, notably the conspicuously messy election between the then to-be President George W. Bush and ex-Vice President Al Gore. Yet, his journey into the electoral landscape can be traced further back, all thanks to his mother’s vocations.
Larry spent his childhood dropping by his mother’s place of work, which was, unsurprisingly, the precinct chair she held. ‘Seeing her work with such finesse and ease made me consider joining’, he confessed. The pull of guaranteed pay also swayed his decision in favor of election work. This thread extended back to his grandmother Mary-Lou Parker, who also dabbled in elections, making it a tradition in the Albert family.
Being 42, Larry mentioned that the unique opportunity awarded to him and his predecessors – serving the community from the same polling place during an election, was nothing short of exhilarating. Tattoo artistry might pay his bills, but Larry feels a sense of contentment working at the polls alongside his colleagues, engaging with various factions of the community.
Election procedures hold a special place in Larry’s heart. ‘I revel in the process and the integral role it plays in shaping our nation. It’s the politics associated with it that I can’t stand,’ he asserted. As this year’s primary election approaches, Larry, alongside myriad election personnel, will facilitate voters navigating through registration, locating polling stations, and casting votes.
While the incoming primary election might not witness a surge in turnout, observers are bracing for intense actions in the presidential face-off in three months. With speculations favoring a clash between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, seasoned electioneers, including stalwarts like Albert, Susan Godfrey, and Robert Ulrich, are poised to ensure a smooth and reliable process come what may.
Godfrey, at 70, serves as an East Lansing precinct chair. She recalls her golden years, a time when her parents were actively involved in election procedures. Her mother joined a precinct post-retirement and her father was integral in processing absentee ballots. Retracing her parents’ steps, she plunged into election work in 2010, after a rewarding career as a Sparrow Hospital nurse.
Godfrey resonates deeply with her role in the electoral system. ‘Playing a part in shaping the nation’s future is highly valiant. An electoral process without dedicated workers ensuring its utmost integrity wouldn’t function effectively,’ she explained.
Godfrey had spent the previous week managing East Lansing’s early voting, a demanding role that requires eight-hour shifts for nine consecutive days. Despite the strenuous task, she takes joy in guiding voters and assisting them throughout the voting process. ‘Simplifying the process for them, answering their queries, and making them confident about their role in the electoral process is what I aim for,’ she expressed.
Ulrich, another seasoned election worker, shares Godfrey’s sentiments. Having witnessed his parents serve in elections, he embraced diverse roles since beginning his journey in 2010. He is especially excited about processing East Lansing’s absentee ballots this Tuesday, having completed early voting duties.
Ulrich fondly recalls an instance when an enthusiastic teenager cast her vote for the first time. ‘The excitement was palpable. Her mother accompanied her and was thrilled to witness her daughter contribute to the nation. They even took a picture to cherish this milestone’, he recalled, teeming with joy.
Ever since the 2020 election, election personnel, including local clerks managing Michigan’s elections and their counterparts nationwide, have had to bear the brunt of threats and harassment bred by inaccurate information and unwarranted fraud allegations. However, many workers remain unscathed. Albert cites his debut election in 2000 as the most chaotic, characteristic of those who bash their heads against the brick wall of falsely criticizing our fierce democratic process.
Ulrich saw his mother retire from election duties due to the tech-heavy nature of modern electoral processes. Ironically, this technological aspect seems to be attracting new age workers. For instance, one pulse-raising newcomer couldn’t contain the excitement to engage with the computerized proceedings. ‘The community motivates me to give back, and this role offers me that chance,’ Ulrich confided.
Electoral workers, who are registered voters themselves, can provide a double-edged advantage to their community and themselves. ‘People’s perception of the electoral system would transform if they experienced the intricate checks, balances, and mechanisms firsthand,’ Albert pointed out. This Tuesday, Albert is set to take up the family mantle and serve yet another Election Day with his mother, his initial guide into the world of elections.
The intricate thread that intertwines Albert’s family with the elections across generations continues strong. Helping others voice their choice, offering his time and energy to the cause, Larry finds joy. Despite the tumultuous political climate, and the attempt of naysayers to deride the systems, Albert stands tall with his team, maintaining his sturdy faith in America’s electoral process – the cornerstone of our democracy.
Albert Continues Family Tradition of Exposing Democrat’s Election Folly appeared first on Real News Now.
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