GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Poll workers in Georgia have been preparing for months for Election Day. The preparation will be put into action Tuesday as voters head to their voting precincts to cast a ballot in the 2024 general election.
Every election, community members like Ruby Cade and Marilyn Bolton work at election sites. 11Alive got the chance to catch up with them ahead of Election Day in Gwinnett County. They've both been active over the years.
"I started when Obama first ran," Cade said.
"I started in 2007 as a provisional clerk," Bolton said.
Bolton even has her children involved.
"I have three kids," she said. "All three have worked the elections."
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The preparation election workers take begins before Election Day.
"We start back in August, making sure we have your roster together, enough people to work," Cade said, adding that they have to undergo training as well.
"That training is two days -- five hours each day," Cade explained. "We also do online training."
In recent years, the role has also faced the most skepticism. In 2020, poll workers across the country faced criticism after unfounded claims of election fraud.
Bolton said they do the job for one main reason: to help people. It's not to cause harm.
"We want to get you through the process, that's all we want," Bolton said.
Their goal is to ensure trust in the community. They are determined to fulfill their duty and to do their part to conduct a free and fair election.
Bolton also had a message for people who might be skeptical.
"Come and see the process from start to finish and you are welcome to come and work the process," she said. "We always need more poll officials."
Cade also encourages others to be a part of the process.
"Everybody should do something, so this is my something," Cade said. "I'm making sure that the voting process at this location is done fair."
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