Coffee and Economy on the Minds of Many Voters

By: Maura Gladys
(Polling story)



“On days like this, we always make sure we have a lot of coffee,” said a poll worker at the South Hill Elementary School polling location

The sky was still black and an early morning chill hung over the South Hill Elementary School early this morning, as voters lined up to cast their ballot in one of the most highly anticipated and historic elections in recent memory. It seemed as if coffee and the economy was on the mind of many voters.

Arlene*, one of the first voters at South Hill arrived at 6 a.m. in order to beat what is anticipated to be a heavy turnout. As soon as she was finished voting she headed straight for Starbucks, which was giving a free large coffee to anyone that presented an “I Voted Today” sticker.

“I really didn’t want to have to wait in line, and I decided 6 was the best. Now, I’m going to get a free cup of coffee from Starbucks,” she said.

Joseph LeCates, a Cornell graduate student, used voting, rather than coffee to calm his nerves.

“I want to feel like I’ve done everything I can. It’s the first time I’ve paid so much attention to an election. I came out early to calm my nerves.”

LeCates, like many others cited the economy as one of his primary issues when voting. Starbucks in downtown Ithaca was a hub of election excitement. Voters, fresh from the voting booths, cashed in on their free coffees and talked politics.

“It’s been a zoo, but it can only get better,” said Karen, the barista. “There have been a lot of new faces this morning.”

One woman, after receiving her free coffee, gushed about the excitement of voting.

“It’s just such a great feeling, to hear the machine when you pull the lever, and you just feel like you made a difference.”

Another man, a teacher on his way to work jovially summed up the morning. “This is such an Ithaca morning. Coffee and voting.”

*it was requested that her real name not be used.

Keeping the Polls Rolling

In order for Election Day to run smoothly, there is an important group of people who are responsible for making it happen: poll workers. Poll workers spend the day checking in voters, answering questions and managing the polling place at which they are assigned.

In order to become a poll worker in New York State, one must be at least 18 years of age and a resident of the county or in New York City, a resident of the city; must be registered to vote in New York; and must complete a training course and exam. Students who are 16 or 17 years of age and are enrolled in high school may also be appointed as a poll worker.  





David Keifer, a poll worker in Ithaca, New York, spent the day at Ellis Hollow Apartments, located at 1028 Ellis Hollow Road in Ithaca. Keifer stood at the entrance to the polling place, helping voters to check in at the correct location. "It's certainly been busy all day long," Keifer said. "We had about 70 people waiting when we opened at 6:00 this morning."

Keifer began working at polling places six years ago while living in New Jersey, where there was a big need for poll workers. "It was a great experience," Keifer said. "I felt good about serving the community."



People who spend their time working at polling places find it very rewarding. Not only do they play a part in a historic election, but they also get a chance to see the community come out to vote. "[Working at the polls] gave me a chance to get to know some of my neighbors," Keifer said. "When I came up here to New York State, I looked into it. They were also in need, so here I am."

There is a sense of excitement amongst everyone who is involved in today's election. For the poll workers who began their day before the polls opened and who will end their night long after the polls have closed, we should all be thankful that they gave their time to help make the election a success, whatever the result.

-Emma Tanner

Polling Place Story