At best, we are in the middle of a year we will remember for the rest of our lives. Though the pandemic has made us all have to re-view how we function as church, we are also thrust into other considerations. 

 

I have been in contact with the Franklin County Board of Elections in regard to their ability to fill the needs of every polling places in the county. As I suspected, due to COVID-19 they expect there to be a great need for people to fill the various positions at every polling station. I am hearing three reasons. 1.) Many poll workers are getting older and that puts them at risk during the pandemic - they may step back this year. 2.) More workers are expected to be used at every polling place to help with sanitizing. 3.) A number of urban polling place are regularly understaffed and therefore this year may create longer lines than usual. 

 

Having said all of this, here is my ask: As clergy and rostered leaders, consider taking one day away from your usual commitments and serve as a poll worker for the 2020 election on November 3. Using the information on the flyer attached here, you can either call or go to their website. Also, the attachment here should have a second page which is a mail in form. However you connect with the Board of Elections, tell them you are a person of faith. In talking with one of the staff people, they are thrilled that people of faith may be doing this. I would strongly suggest that you consider requesting an urban site for we know that too often those polling places have a large number of people voting on election day so adequate staffing is essential.

 

Finally, if you are a rostered leader serving in a congregation this is another way involve lay folks in the work of the people that takes place outside the parish but right in the middle of the world. Make the ask!

 

Christ’s Peace!

 

Al Debelak