This story is under construction. Please be patient if a storyline takes you to a dead-end. More episodes are coming soon. This is a multi-path adventure. If you are a new reader, you’re coming in the middle of the story(ies). These are best read by starting from The Beginning.
The community center conference room buzzed with activity. The applicants for temporary poll workers were diverse, but they had two things in common. First, everyone in today’s group was over fifty (most were well over that age). Second, they were all eagerly anticipating the upcoming election.
"Good morning, everyone," an official stepped to the podium in front of the center. "My name is Doris, and I want to be the first to thank you for being here. I'm from the Maricopa County Voter Registration and Elections department, and I'll be your trainer today."
While Doris introduced herself, Juan flipped through the training material on the desk in front of him. One sheet described the pay and schedule, and others explained the requirements, working conditions, and necessary skills. He was pleased to see that the ability to speak in both Spanish and English was a plus.
“Finally,” Doros began wrapping up her introduction. “Your efforts will support and ensure the integrity of in-person voting and a fair and safe election for the people of your community. Thank you.”
The day’s training lasted about ninety minutes. Juan considered some of the different poll worker positions available. In addition to voter registration clerks, they had marshals, judges, and a position called the Inspector – Team Lead. I’m definitely not qualified for any of these, he thought. Still, it was interesting to learn about all the different jobs. He hadn’t known there was so much involved.
Eventually, he decided that he was best suited to warehouse operations. He wasn’t interested in being a T-Tech (whatever that was) or hotline representative. But he was very interested either in being a ballot courier, whose job would be to retrieve the ballots from drop boxes spread all over town, or a warehouse driver. He read through the description of this last option. It said he had to operate a 26-foot box truck with lift gates, work as part of a two-person team with someone from a different party, and support general warehouse functions like checking out equipment, stacking warehouse inventory, and general maintenance.
A 26-foot truck? he thought. That’s too easy. Juan’s extensive work experience made this position a perfect fit.
“One last thing,” Doris began closing the training session. “I’m ashamed to admit this, but if you would please turn to the page with the hourly wage listed…”
The participants shuffled the papers on their desks loudly for a few moments as they searched for the document. "Yes, as I was saying," Doris continued, "What we're offering this year is just $14.35 per hour for our temporary positions. Please remember how much of a difference your efforts will make for your community."
Compared to what he made at his full-time job at the metal fabrication plant, $14.35 per hour wasn’t much, but he wasn’t doing this for the money.
Juan thought, I've gotta do what I can to keep these elections fair. He deeply regretted his conversations with his Uncle Pablo about voter fraud. More than that, he was embarrassed that he'd even been tempted by the dishonorable offer. Deep in his heart, Juan believed in the American Dream. Everything was going so well for him since he came here, and he wanted to prove that his people were just as good as any other Americans. It's my responsibility as a citizen.
Why is Juan Confident in America?
Choose Option 1: Low Prices and Inflation
Choose Option 2: Low-Interest Rates