Letters

I wish to thank all who voted in the recent elections, both for village trustee and for the Democratic primary in New York’s 1st Congressional District.

As someone who has worked as an election inspector at the firehouse polling station for a number of years, I have witnessed thousands who gratefully participate in this essential act of democratic self-governance and citizenship.

The job of being an election inspector is rewarding. It’s one of those jobs you feel good about doing for your community. But it’s more than that these days, as distrust and public rancor, much of it fueled by political opportunism and misinformation, upend our daily lives and respect for public institutions.

Election integrity is essential for our country, and having a sufficient number of trained election inspectors is one way we protect the public’s right to vote and ensure the outcome.

Only from working elections does one appreciate firsthand the redundant safeguards designed into the entire process. I know because as bipartisan teams we receive equipment and maintain what is called chain of custody of voter rolls, ballots and voting equipment. I know from the many numbered seals I record at 5 a.m. from unopened equipment before polling, and do again at closing, securing the same often 18 hours later. I know because each ballot received from the Board of Elections is anonymously accounted for, and the tally is reconciled with the tabulator machine tapes with redundant memory cards.

It’s a long day. Despite the staff’s cheerful, respectful outlook, there is sobering pressure to get it right.

It is with that understanding that I take exception to the occasional voter who exhibits little or no knowledge or appreciation for what is necessary for that person to vote, and to do so safely, accurately and efficiently.

I am doubly troubled when a voter abuses election staff, falsely asserts being denied the right to vote, and is unwilling to discuss it. Such was the case at the firehouse last week for the Democratic Party primary, which, by state election law, doesn’t allow for cross-party voting.

Though one sees irresponsible behavior in many public forums today, disruptive conduct does not serve the voting process and, I believe, has a corrosive effect on essential institutions.

One way to combat this is to become an election inspector. Most polling locations, including the firehouse, are understaffed and can use the help.

Rob Calvert

Sag Harbor