Letter to the Editor: Election Workers Deserve Thanks and Respect

To the Editor:

Connecticut has made voting easier, and we should all celebrate that. We have made voter registration more accessible, and Connecticut voters chose to expand access to the ballot through early voting and no-excuse absentee voting. Our legislature and secretary of the state have put those changes into practice, and across the state, our voter registrars and poll workers have answered the call.

During last year’s municipal elections, I had the opportunity to work at the polls myself. I saw firsthand the time, care and attention that go into making sure elections run smoothly. Whether helping voters navigate the process, answering questions or handling the many behind-the-scenes responsibilities of running an election, these workers do important work that supports our democracy.

Election workers should not have to worry that doing their jobs will make them targets of political attacks. They deserve respect, even when people have questions or concerns about how elections are conducted. And if you are unsure how the process works, there is a simple way to learn: sign up to be a poll worker. Municipal, state and presidential elections all depend on people in our communities willing to step up and serve.

Whether you have already voted early or plan to cast your ballot on Election Day, I hope you will join me in thanking our voter registrars and election workers for their hard work and dedication. Our democracy depends on them, and they deserve our appreciation.

Sincerely,
State Rep. Nick Menapace, D-East Lyme

Editor’s Note: Menapace is running for reelection in the state House district covering East Lyme and portions of Salem and Montville.