SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Dedicated poll workers are stepping up to help facilitate record-breaking early voting numbers in Michigan.
In Southfield, Pamela Hopkins and Charles Thomas Jr. are returning poll workers.
Hopkins has been doing this since 2016.
“I retired in October of 2016 and I started working elections in November of 2016,” Hopkins said.
She finds the work meaningful.
“I look at it as doing my civic duty,” she said. “We have a lot of people who don’t want to do this anymore because politics have become so contentious but I’m like as long as we’re doing what we’re supposed to do there’s nothing to be afraid of.”
Charles Thomas Jr. is also a returning poll worker in Southfield.
“A lot of it is legacy work for me,” Thomas said.
His ancestors fought for his right to vote.
“My aunts were Selma Foot Soldiers in 1964 and 1965 at 14 and 16 years old,” Thomas said. “(They were) part of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and trained by John Lewis. They made all the marches, all the protests.”
Thomas and Hopkins have been busy this past week with early voting.
“My thing is to be in the precinct and make sure things are done properly,” Hopkins said.
The line has been out the door some days for early voting.
“Trying to you know keep them excited, keep them happy,” Thomas said. “Keep them motivated while they’re here.”
They make a point to cheer for first time voters.
“We’re telling them once you start, you go to always do this,” Hopkins said. “So this gives them something to remember being applauded for being here voting.”