Due to an upcoming event that may keep me from getting to the polls on Election Day in November, I chose to vote early.
After receiving my ballot, making my choices and sealing the envelope, I drove to the election office location on Gambell Street to deliver my votes.
As I slowly drove by the building to enter the parking lot, I saw people in line, some talking and smiling, others quietly waiting their turn. After finding a space to park, I walked through the back entrance to hand in my ballot. I was immediately greeted by a tall, friendly worker who escorted me to the box to drop in my ballot. She continued to other individuals to help with their questions. Another gentleman sitting by the door helped answer a couple of questions before my exit.
This morning, I read a story about a voter in Texas assaulting a poll worker after being asked to remove electioneering gear as per state law. The election worker had “marks on his face” but was otherwise unharmed, according to reports. From what I witnessed during my visit, Alaskan voters and poll workers showed nothing but respect for each other.
So thank you, fellow Alaskans, for your patience, kindness and helpfulness toward each other while waiting to cast your votes.
And many, many thanks to our election poll workers for their service during this election season.
— Thomas R. Schmidt
Anchorage
Have something on your mind? Send to letters@adn.com or click here to submit via any web browser. Letters under 200 words have the best chance of being published. Writers should disclose any personal or professional connections with the subjects of their letters. Letters are edited for accuracy, clarity and length.