Grateful to those who made election happen

American democracy depends on the full participation of “We the People.” The Constitution says it; the League of Women Voters is committed to it.

As one of the nation’s oldest voting rights groups with more than 700 leagues around the country, we are proud to work closely with elections departments and other community organizations to ensure voters can fully participate in the election process.

As a grassroots volunteer nonpartisan organization, our prime focus in Bexar County has been informed and active participation of citizens in the political process. It’s certainly not an easy task, but it’s a challenge that the league has taken up with enthusiasm.

Efforts to recruit election workers also faced challenges because of possible criminal penalties warranted under Senate Bill 1, the new voting laws. Community members rose to the occasion amid concern of a shortage of Election Day workers. A total of 1,334 election workers staffed 302 voting sites across Bexar County.

This Thanksgiving, on behalf of the League of Women Voters of the San Antonio Area, I want to express my gratitude to all who fulfilled the promise of democracy by stepping up in myriad ways this past election to ensure a safe, accessible and fair election for all voters.

First, I want to thank all poll workers who are on the front lines of our democracy. The linchpin of our voting process, these community members stepped up to get trained, staff our voting sites and answer voters’ questions. They ensured things ran smoothly.

We owe our sincere appreciation to all election judges who care about the community and democracy enough to put in long hours so the rest of us could vote. They worked diligently and honorably.

At the helm of all this is Bexar County Elections Administrator Jacque Callanen. She works tirelessly to provide excellent elections every time, especially this last one. She faced personal threats and risk of criminal charges that did not exist before SB1. She cannot be thanked enough for her dedication to American democracy. Kudos to the elections department. Often understaffed and under-resourced, they are committed to building trust for American voters.

We also want to thank voters. Whether you chose to vote by mail, vote early or vote on Election Day, we thank you for exercising your right, fulfilling your responsibility and casting your ballot. We appreciate the time you put in to learn about the candidates and make informed choices.

I also want to thank league volunteers. Many help put together the Voters Guide, a much sought-after staple. This past election, 23,000 copies of the Voters Guide were printed and distributed across Bexar County. We regret not being able to meet additional demand. Scores of grassroots members, supporters and activists empowered voters by providing information regarding elections and voting, especially in low voter turnout communities. Many more served as poll workers and election judges.

Free and fair elections cannot be run without you. Much work lies ahead as we continue to honor the principles of our founders. In the words of Carrie Chapman Catt, founder of the League of Women Voters, “Winning the vote is only the opening wedge, but to learn how to use it is a bigger task.”

This is our legacy; this is our mission.