Election Hero Day (EHD) is just a week away, on November 3, 2025. EHD is a day to celebrate those who make the voting process run safely, securely, and successfully. In anticipation, we're highlighting a few of our favorite poll worker stories from the 2024 North Dakota elections.

In 2024, I had the honor of volunteering with the League of Women Voters of North Dakota to coordinate a statewide election observation program. League leaders Carol, Amy, and I trained volunteers, who headed to polling sites on Election Day to observe for a few hours and ensure the voting process was running smoothly. 

These volunteer observers shared story after story of poll workers who went above and beyond to assist voters in casting their ballot. At one site, a voter forgot their reading glasses, and an election clerk offered their own glasses so the voter could read their ballot. At another location, poll workers cheered when checking in first-time voters, which brought a smile to the faces of the first-time voters and all nearby. 

We particularly loved this story from a polling site in Bismarck, where election workers set a goal of 620 voters at their site. They were so excited to see the last few voters trickle in to reach their goal that the lead poll worker did a happy feet dance. 

Our volunteers shared even more about the all-star service poll workers provided. Here’s what they wrote: 

• "The poll workers were so friendly, helpful, and transparent about all processes that happen throughout the day. This was a great experience, thanks for asking me to volunteer!"
• “Poll workers collaborated to troubleshoot issues quickly and went above and beyond to make the voter experience simple, fast, accessible, and celebrated."
• "I was deeply impressed by the poll workers' friendliness and professionalism. I was struck at both poll sites about how very nonpartisan the space felt." 

When we trained the observers, we encouraged them to thank poll workers if there was a moment to do so. We hoped the poll workers would feel celebrated by our volunteers, but we didn't know that the poll workers would make our volunteers feel so inspired, too! Many observers came away with a greater understanding of the voting process from observing the poll workers and election officials. 

Those working at the voting sites — our friends, neighbors, and community members — are fulfilling an essential service for our community. We want to give our deepest gratitude to those who power polling sites across the nation.  

Election Heroes, thank you for giving your time, energy, and expertise to our elections.