A veteran poll worker in Wisconsin shares her story

Vet the Vote Spotlight: Kristen Berg, USAF Veteran, Wisconsin

Veteran Kristen Berg and her family at home in Wisconsin

After leaving the Air Force in 2014, Kristen Berg decided to continue her service—this time as a poll worker.

“My brother had been doing it for quite a while. He was always talking about it and I thought, I’ll give that a try.”

As a poll worker, Kristen was essential to the election process. Poll workers are responsible for opening the polls in the morning; checking in voters and issuing ballots; maintaining the chain of custody of ballots, voting equipment and supplies; reconciling the number of voters checked in with the number of ballots cast at their location; and more. Election Day can’t happen without poll workers.

Kristen reached out to her municipal representatives who asked for a few verification documents—such as her driver’s license—and then signed her up for training.

As a poll worker, Kristen performed a few different roles. Before Election Day, she helped prep absentee ballots for counting. Seeing the process firsthand as a volunteer gave her greater confidence in absentee voting.

“They come in, they’re in a sealed container, there is a chain of custody. I witnessed what I believe to be a very safe and secure process.”

On Election Day, she directed voters to where they needed to go and let them know the documents they’d need to provide. Later in the day, she worked with another poll worker to verify voter identities.

“There are many different pieces. Depending on your comfort level, you could have a position that’s less visible to the public. Or if you’re comfortable interacting with people, you can have a more up-front position.”

“I loved it. I had a blast. I was working in my community, so I knew a lot of the faces coming in. It was fun for me to be part of a day when people are coming in to express their opinion on something. People are excited.”

Kristen says being a poll worker is an eye-opening experience and an excellent way to see our democracy in action.

Ready to join Kristen as the next generation of poll workers? Click here.