Ohio County Democrat, GOP Leaders Come Together To Recruit Poll Workers
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WHEELING - Leaders of the Democrat and Republican parties in Ohio County are standing united to stress that more poll workers are needed locally to keep the democratic process going.
Anthony Edmond, chairman of the Ohio County Democratic Party, and Michael Borsuk, chairman of the Ohio County Republican Party, recently came together to jointly call for more county residents to become poll workers. At least two poll workers registered with each party are needed at each voting precinct in the county on Election Day.
"It is optimistic that both parties have new leadership," Borsuk said. "We just wanted to come together to tell voters in the county that we're here, and we're both ready to work with you whatever side you are on.
"And this mid-term election, we need your help getting poll workers. Ohio County has a desperate need for poll workers. Without any poll workers, neither party wins if you don't have people coming together to work the polls."
Members of the Republican and Democratic executive committees in Ohio County met jointly this week with Erin Allietta, county election coordinator, to discuss the urgent need for poll workers. Both parties agreed to meet quarterly during election years with Allietta during election years, and twice a year in off-election years.
"If people want their voices to be heard, they need to have the poll workers doing the job on the day of (the election) to make sure the votes are tabulated property, and that the polls (initially) are set up so people can go in and use the machines and have that process go smoothly," Edmond said.
"No matter who you are voting for... if you don't have poll workers, then we can't really don't. We want to show a united front in that no matter your politics, we need poll workers."
Borsuk added the parties aren't just lacking poll workers.
"We need you to get out and vote," he continued. "In the next few months, you are going to hear our parties going out and campaigning for the candidates we believe will be the best for the job.
"But it doesn't matter who you vote for, as long as you vote."
Republican turnout in the county for this year's primary election was just 26%, according to Borsuk. This was just above state average.
"It's imperative people get out and vote if they have an issue they care about," he said.
This year, five Republican primaries for House of Delegates were decided by fewer than 10 votes, Borsuk added.
Too often people believe their one vote doesn't count, Edmond noted.
"Yes, it does," he continued. "The numbers are so low every single vote has power."
Borsuk noted the race for the West Virginia Senate District 1 seat - between incumbent Sen. Laura Wakim Chapman, R-Ohio, and current Delegate Shawn Fluharty, D-Ohio - is likely to be one of the most hotly contested in the state this year.
It is races like this that make it important for voters to get out and support whichever candidate they think is best, he explained.
"Michael and I agree, no matter how they (candidates) are running their campaigns and ideas out there, the choice should be that of the voters," Edmond said. "It can only be your choice if one, you are registered, and two, if you get out and vote.
"You can vote on Election Day or early vote, but your vote needs to be part of the tabulation. We need people getting involved," he added.
Those working the polls on Election Day in Ohio County receive $300 for their efforts.
Those wanting to be poll workers in Ohio County should contact Allietta at 304-234-3750.
Borsuk, 21, and Edmond, 41, acknowledged that while they can find common bonds, there are extremists within their parties that have caused excessive political division in recent years.
"I want to remind everyone - just because you think differently from somebody, never forget the humility and the person you are disagreeing with," Borsuk said.
He added that he sees Edmond as "a human and an American" rather than someone "who hates the country because he votes differently than me.
Edmond added he and Borsuk have a mutual respect for each other.
"There are going to be things (politically) that he and I actually agree on," he said. "People may not want to admit that, but it is true. There is a Venn diagram. That's how we move the needle further."
The question is how do Republicans and Democrats "disagree better?" Borsuk asked.
"Instead of hours of ranting on Facebook toward each party and sharing pages to get the algorithm going, how do you get involved in a way that shows your views and respects the other side’s view, as well?" he continued. "Respecting the other sides view and disagreeing are completely different.
"I don't agree with most of the Democrat platform. But I respect the viewpoint of people who hold it because they are involved in the democratic process as much as I am."
The resulting hate is what is driving people away from voting, according to Borsuk.
Edmond quoted Maya Angelou in saying, "Do the best that you can until you know better. Then when you know better do better."
"We're trying to lead by example until we can do better as a community and a society as a whole," he said.