477th Fighter Group Participates in Democratic Process

  • Published
  • By Song Jordan

During every election season, the Department of Defense often reminds service members and civilians about the obligations of representing the military when engaging in civic discourse.  There is even an Air Force Instruction volume about the topic. 

Voting, however, is an encouraged civic duty.   

Typically in Alaska, voters can vote by absentee ballot, early in person, or in person on Election Day.  This year, Election Day is on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020.

Another way DoD service members and civilians are encouraged to participate in the American democratic process is by working at the polls.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic is occurring during elections this year, the number of returning poll workers fell sharply.  A majority of the workers, who regularly work at voting locations are older.  According to the Center of Disease Control, older people are considered to be at high risk of contracting COVID-19. 

In the summer, election officials across the United States called for people to fill vacancies. 

“My mom is a poll worker in Wisconsin and has talked about how difficult it is to get election workers,” said Kate Strain, a 477th Fighter Group Management Analyst from the Consolidated Support Staff.  “She is older and part of the risk category and she’s still doing it, because they’re having trouble getting people to work.”

After hearing about her mother’s situation and learning about another 477 FG staff member’s polling experience during the Alaska primary, Strain volunteered to become an election worker for the first time. 

“Because I’m not in any risk category, I think that I should be able to take that burden off someone else,” said the Green Bay, Wisconsin native.

Multiple safety measures will be available at each precinct.  Sanitizer and personal protective equipment (PPE) such as, masks and gloves will be available for voters. 

Poll workers will sanitize voting equipment throughout the day.  They are also required to wear PPE while working.

Strain, a U.S. Navy veteran, says she plans to use her own mask and all provided PPE as safeguards to stay healthy, while helping voters cast their ballots on Election Day.

 

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