Poll workers were required by the state of Michigan to wear either masks or face shields. | Adobe Stock
Poll workers were required by the state of Michigan to wear either masks or face shields. | Adobe Stock
As record numbers of people across the nation took advantage of their right to vote, a number of unsung heroes are being honored by the State of Michigan.
Michigan Sen. Ruth Johnson (R-Holly) offered a resolution that was approved to honor the clerks and election workers across the state who worked during the November general election, which was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, MiSenateGOP reported. Senate Resolution 151 indicates that the state had its highest recorded voter turnout, with approximately 5.56 million voters who cast ballots, over a half-million more than the previous record turnout, which took place in 2008. That election, in which President Barack Obama defeated Sen. John McCain, recorded a total of 5.04 million voters in Michigan.
“Our election workers are the heart of our democratic system -- allowing our local clerks and their staffs to provide our citizens with the ability to express their voices as voters,” Johnson said, according to MiSenateGOP. “Every election, these dedicated people work long days to preserve our democracy. This year, they also risked their health and safety to work at the polls on Election Day and at the absent voter counting boards amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sen. Ruth Johnson
| #MiSenateGOP
“I am proud to sponsor this resolution to recognize the hard work and commitment of our clerks, their staffs and election workers for everything they did to make the recent general election possible under unprecedented circumstances," Johnson told MiSenateGOP.
The resolution highlighted the work that took place amid health threats associated with the coronavirus. COVID-19 presented complications and concerns regarding the necessary procedures, which were outlined by Michigan Department of State Bureau of Elections.
Procedures included constant routine cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces. Hygiene and safety equipment were made available to poll workers to ensure their safety, and all workers were required to wear masks or face shields. It did not go unnoticed by Johnson, the chair of the Senate Elections Committee and former Michigan secretary of state.
“Michigan election workers faced record voter participation, record numbers of absentee voting and uncertain conditions -- yet they persevered and kept our democracy alive,” Johnson said, according to MiSenateGOP. “We cannot thank them enough for their efforts.”
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