Wildcats step up to work polls in effort to serve community, democracy

In the midst of a roaring pandemic, the 2020 presidential election raged on. Without an abundance of poll workers willing to risk their health to work, many students ages 16 and 17 decided to step up to serve their community. Several students from West sent in their applications and arrived at their assigned polling place on November 3, one being senior Natalie Johanknecht.

“Prior to this experience, most of my knowledge about democracy came from what I learned in school, but after helping out at the polls, I learned the true value of participating in the voting process,” she said. “Every vote truly does have an impact on our community and country.”

After being contacted by City Clerk Pamela Ubrig, Principal Erin Kohl was asked to share this opportunity with the students at West. When a total of 20 students arrived bright and early at the polling places, she knew they would all have an eager spirit to serve.

“I think considering that school was virtual on election day, this provided students with an opportunity to assist their community and to learn about the election process firsthand,” Kohl said.

Ubrig organized this involvement by collecting appropriate paperwork, training students, and assigning them to their specific roles. The students arrived at 6 am and served until around 9 pm that day. 

“There is a provision in the Wisconsin State Statutes 7:30 (am) that allows high school students to assist at the polls if they are 16 or 17 years of age, enrolled in grades 9 to 12, have at least a 3.0 point grade average, and have completed the authorization form which includes a signature by the student’s parent or guardian and the principal,” Ubrig said. 

The students were assigned a multitude of duties. The volunteers helped to register voters, clean tables and pens, direct people, and much more. Johanknecht found that many precautions were taken to provide accurate information. 

“Every 30 minutes there was a check to make sure all the numbers were accurate and matched,” she said. “Then at the end of the night we had to sort all of the ballots to make sure they were all accounted for.”

Taking up his civic responsibilities, senior Henry Artus also volunteered for the cause. 

“I worked the polls so that those who weren't comfortable doing it would not be afraid that our democracy was in danger,” he said. “I did not want those who would be more susceptible to illness to feel like they had to work the polls because they were needed.”

Being involved in the rigorous process firsthand gave him confidence in the voting system. 

“There are so many boxes to check on both ends when you vote,” Artus said. “On one side, the voters have to provide their identity and that they live where they do. On the other side, the workers have to make sure everything is accurate, ensuring that no one has a chance to go twice, and checking over every step several times.”

Knowing that democracy works best when all participate, Artus was surprised to see the number of citizens who had not exercised their right to vote in the past. 

“So many older middle-aged people had never voted before and came to me to register,” he said. “It taught me the work that still needs to be done to ensure that everyone has the opportunity and desire to vote, and the importance of different movements and organizations that helped encourage people to vote.”

Along with Artus, senior Morgan Yenter enthusiastically volunteered as she was not of age to vote. She knew that this experience would benefit her city while also providing a window into the future she desires. 

“I chose to work at the polls because I am extremely passionate about politics and it is something I would really like to pursue in college,” she said. 

Yenter was glad to have had an experience where she could make a direct impact on voters within the American democracy. 

 “My favorite part from this opportunity was being connected to my community,” she said. “It is such a surreal experience to see how the election runs and it gives you a different perspective from just being a voter.” 

Similarly to Yenter, Artus was appreciative of the people that he met during his time at the polling site. 

“I worked with one woman who had a fascinating backstory, being born in Germany and moving to the United States,” he said. “After spending several months at home, it was so much fun to get to meet so many new people all while upholding the Democratic institution of suffrage.”

Kohl was grateful for the students who participated and was not surprised when she received a phone call from a community member in charge of one of the local polling stations. 

“She called to share that the two high school students from West who worked at that location did an outstanding job,” she said. “She was so impressed with their work ethic, enthusiasm, and positive attitudes. It was great to hear that our students represented Oshkosh West so well.”

By S. Wesenberg and A. Eaton

Oshkosh West Index Volume 117 Issue III

December 11th, 2020