Since its admission to statehood in 1859, Oregon has participated in every U.S. presidential election.

In the Umatilla County elections office, the hired election employees and the volunteer poll workers are essential to running the elections.

As a voter, I just wanted to let the Umatilla County Election Divison know you are appreciated, as well as the volunteer poll workers.

As a reminder, the poll workers have several responsibilities, such as opening the polls on election morning, checking in voters and issuing ballots, assisting voters, implementing election laws and procedures, maintaining the chain of custody of ballots, voting equipment, and supplies, closing the polls and reconciling the number of voters checked in with the number of ballots cast at

their location.

Typically, poll workers are trained by local election officials and work in teams. Poll workers swear an oath to uphold election laws and protect the security of the election.

We all should appreciate these people from our county who make our elections possible. Many do the work because of their strong belief in our Democracy and want to have a role in it.

As a voter, you should applaud yourself for engaging in your civic duty — the democracy of the vote.

We have become a part of the 2024 election history.

Kathy Wilson

Umatilla County Republican Party

Pendleton