A 14-hour day, but a well-run precinct

At 6 a.m., on Nov. 4, I joined four other election judges in opening a polling place in Northwest suburban Cook County. From the Monday night setup to 15 hours on election day, we worked together to serve our voters.

For the second year I was blown away by the quality of the high school students who joined the rest of us as equals. The young woman and young man who were assigned to our precinct worked every station, showed intelligence and initiative, and took energetic part in the brute work that is required to set up and take down a polling facility.

Cook County Clerk David Orr's program to include exceptional high school students as election judges has been a resounding success.

I was saddened to read of other precincts in Cook County where polls opened late because judges didn't bother to show up. I sympathize with election officials when poll workers renege on their promises. I want to praise my election day co-workers who gave this election everything they had and met every challenge.

Often those who show up and do their job with enthusiasm and pride don't get the recognition they deserve. I am proud of my co-workers, and want them to know they have my utmost respect for carrying out their trust responsibly and for simply doing what is right.

Once again I was amazed by Orr's organization. The massive logistics involved in conducting an election in such a populous metropolitan area as Cook County is impossible for me to imagine.

Planning for the thousands of support personnel is in itself a monumental task. Faced with long lines of grumpy election judges turning in their election materials, Orr's personnel remained upbeat and helpful.

David Orr has once again conducted a successful Cook County election. Sporadic glitches are to be expected. What is to be admired is how much actually went well.

Karen Wagner

Rolling Meadows