Respect poll workers

Please! K. Geraghty said in her letter that poll workers “panicked” because she wanted her kids at the voting machine with her (“Poll Workers Failed to Help Instill a Lesson in Democracy,” Nov. 7). First, everything that happens in a polling place is the responsibility of the poll workers — a volunteer position, I might add! These folks deserve your respect and cooperation, regardless of the number voting while you are there.

We no longer vote in booths that provided a fair amount of privacy but at voting machines which are close together and provide no privacy. Multiple children could indeed interfere with other voters casting their ballots. These machines are still new and confusing to many. Even if only your vote is interfered with, it’s the poll workers’ responsibility, not a parenting one. That’s how the polls work. You need to respect this whether the poll is full or empty.

Teach your children respect for the voting process and the people who volunteer tirelessly to monitor this process. Teach your kids respect for other voters. Your kids do not have a right to be with you to vote or to help you vote.

Watching you vote can be framed more positively. There are many other ways to excite kids about voting. Teaching your kids to entertain themselves quietly for longer than a minute is also a good idea. Realize the only problem at the poll was you! DEBBIE VIDOVICH

Franklin Park