Good morning, readers. I’ve got a question for you. What are you doing on Tuesday? For many of you, I’m sure you will be headed off to work. Others will be running errands or going to a doctor’s or dentist’s appointment.

Perhaps you have some shopping to do or some volunteer work to fill your day. I know where I will be, and that is working at a polling place for the Nov. 5 General Election. It will be the first time as a poll worker, and while I am looking forward to it, I also am nervous about doing everything just right.

Of course, there will be experienced workers with me, so I have a lot of faith in those folks who have done this many times before. I’ve been asked by several people why I would want to spend a 15-hour day in a gymnasium, a.k.a, polling place, as people file in to cast their votes.

There are a couple reasons. One: election officials were in need of enough poll workers to fulfill the requirements of the election. Two: my parents always stressed the importance of the voting process, even taking us kids with them to vote. Three: this election season has had me tied in knots. It’s definitely been one of the most aggressive campaign seasons I’ve witnessed.

I believe the best distraction from all the hub-bub of Election Day will be working to ensure that my energy is put to good use on Tuesday. I’m looking at the experience as a way to be a part of the process without the commercials!

Of course, in order to work a precinct on Tuesday, that meant I had to do early voting. It was the first time I did it this way. In the past, I have always enjoyed actually driving to my polling place at the church on North Fork Road.

Going to the City-County Building in Wheeling to cast my early ballot was an eye-opener. I went on the third day of voting and the line was long inside the building. It did not deter me or anyone else that I could see. Thankfully they do have benches lining the hallway for those needing to sit while waiting.

I’d estimate my wait was about 20 minutes. No one seemed to complain and the poll workers were courteous and most helpful. It was like old-friends day as I saw a half dozen or so people I knew. I also met a few folks new to the area who were voting for the first time in Ohio County. It was interesting to hear their stories.

The only drawback to the event was trying to find a place to park around the City-County Building and beating the meter. I was lucky to find a parking space a few blocks away with a two-hour meter.

I didn’t have to use all the time so someone else benefited from my quarters after I left. I left the election booth knowing I had done my patriotic duty and it felt good.

So again I ask, what are you doing Tuesday?

Heather Ziegler can be reached via email at hziegler@theintelligencer.net.