Poll work ‘gave me hope for our nation’

I worked at a Northampton County polling station for the first time this year. I spent a fun day helping my neighbors vote, and it gave me hope for our nation.

From 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., I saw a diverse group of people of every age and background wait patiently in line. Each person was friendly, polite and grateful to the poll workers and to each other. I saw lots of smiles and heard “thank you” all day.

I witnessed a new U.S. citizen proudly share that it was his first time voting in America. I saw newly registered teens vote for the first time; two first-time voters showed up at 6 a.m to be first in line.

I saw parents vote with babies and children in tow, setting a great example for future generations. I saw people come in after an exhausting day at work. And I saw older adults slowly use their walkers and canes to vote in person.

Although the media portrays the United States as hopelessly polarized, I saw citizens who were excited and happy to be exercising their right to vote.

I saw people who care about our country and its future. I saw America united, not divided. Elizabeth Gibson

Lower Saucon Township