Turning apathy into action

We were two hours into my shift as a poll worker during last week’s midterm election when a young man dressed in black jeans and a t-shirt entered the check-in line. After giving his name and address, and confirming his birthdate, he was ushered to my section. As he approached our table, the woman seated next to me – an experienced poll worker in her seventies who seemed to know everyone in town – greeted him with a warm smile and an exuberant, Hello!

“How ya doin, Billy?” she inquired. “Is this...