Local election workers receive state honor

By BILL RICHMOND

City editor

Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita (R-Munster) Thursday honored two local election workers for their longstanding dedication to the democratic process in Randolph County.

Myrtle Huffer and Hazel Swoveland were named Honorary Secretaries of State. The two women have an estimated combined total of 122 years as local election workers. Each started as a poll worker at age 21.

Rokita said the honor is highest award he can give. "Records of service for poll workers are kind of spotty across the state," Rokita said. "But these women - one Democrat and one Republican - are the longest serving poll workers in the county and they are likely among the longest serving in the entire state."

Both women were surprised by the presentation.

Huffer said her service to the election process has been a rewarding experience.

Swoveland recalled that Dwight "Ike" Eisenhower was running for president when she started out as a poll worker.

"I've enjoyed it," Swoveland said.

Rokita said there are 30,000 poll workers in the state working in more than 55,000 precincts.

"It is important to remember the election process works well because of the involvement of dedicated individuals from both parties," Rokita said.

County Democrat Chairperson Fred Davis said this year's election is the most exciting he's ever been involved in. County Republican Chairperson Shirley Wright-Small could not attend due to illness but issued a statement that she treasures the efforts of local election workers, as well as the local leadership of people like Rokita and County Clerk Claudia Thornburg.

"I appreciate the pollworkers," said County Election Board member Stan Hendrickson. "It's always been a pleasure. It is because of the dedication of many poll workers like these two that we've been able to run good elections."

Thornburg encouraged local residents to get out and vote during the election and community volunteers to help out at neighborhood polling places. She also noted that absentee voting is underway at the her office.

Thornburg said Swoveland and Huffer are great examples of the importance of having dedicated and well-trained pollworkers.