Angry discord at polls

On primary Election Day in Maryland, I performed my civic duty at the South River High School voting site. Outside I respectfully approached potential voters offering information about eight Democratic candidates on the ballot in South Anne Arundel County. I was the only Democrat advocating at this site, surrounded by probably 15 Republican pollsters all vying for attention. The atmosphere was both amicable and edgy.

Around 5 p.m. I offered a gentleman voter information about our Democratic candidates. He then aggressively confronted me with a rapid succession of irate challenges concerning our U.S. borders, guns and Black Lives Matter. His tirade was loaded with many expletives. Taken aback, I attempted to respond to his accusations by offering that I am a retired principal in our county and understand the difficulties of minority populations. I countered his aggression by explaining that my husband is a veteran of two wars. I have lived “America First.” I explained that my husband and sons are hunters with guns in their homes.

His finger flew in my face as he stomped away only to immediately return with more verbal abuse. I was immensely thankful that our neighbor, a Republican campaigner, stood behind me, literally having my back. No one else outside at this polling site responded. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and continued to do my job.

However, I remain very concerned about the safety of our upcoming elections. I am acutely aware that this man who saw me as “the opposition” could have been carrying a gun. What is next?

Barbara H. Church, Davidsonville