Four long time poll workers who recently retired were recognized by the Decatur County Board of Elections and thanked for their commitment and service.
The four poll workers – Sammie Battle, Ethel Fuller, Rosemary D. Gibson and Maxine Medley – had more than 85 years among them serving the voters of Decatur County. The presentations were made during the Board of Elections’ meeting on March 23.
Elections Board Chairman Keith Sellars presented each retiree with a framed resolution stating that each one had been a testament to how poll workers should conduct themselves – fair, pleasant and genuine.
The four poll workers honored are:
- Ethel Fuller, who has been a poll worker for more than 30 years, mainly served the voters in the Climax voting location. Always a tireless worker, Ms. Fuller would plow through a long day with a quiet – but strong – presence. Ms. Fuller retired last year prior to the March 2020 Presidential Preference Primary as the COVID-19 pandemic was taking hold nationally.
- Sammie Battle, who has been a poll worker for more than 20 years, mainly served the voters during advanced voting and at the Fairgrounds voting location. Ms. Battle was always willing to do “whatever you say,” and it was always done with a smile and dedication. She too retired prior to the March Presidential Preference Primary.
- The matriarch of Attapulgus, Maxine Medley has served the voters there for more than 20 years. Ms. Medley, who has a grace that’s always worn with the sweetest smile, usually liked greeting voters on the electronic pollbooks as they presented their photo IDs. Ms. Medley also retired prior to the March Presidential Preference Primary.
- Rosemary D. Gibson, who retired following the Jan. 5, 2021, Runoff Election, has been a 15-year-or-more veteran of advanced voting and mainly served the voters in the Climax polling location. Ms. Gibson was the type of person who we trusted to express things honestly and forthright, and she kept us on our toes.
The Decatur County Board of Elections employs more than 70 poll workers during a busy presidential general election, but fewer during smaller or less busy elections. Poll workers are compensated for their long days and for mandatory training. Ms. Fuller, Ms. Battle, Ms. Medley and Ms. Gibson, as well as the others who continue to work, are our greeters to democracy.
If you are interested in being a poll worker for the upcoming 2022 election season, please visit the Board of Elections Office and complete an application.
Photos submitted
RETIRING AFTER YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE, are, from the left, Sammie Battle, Attapulgus Mayor Johnny Medley and his wife, Maxine Medley; in front is Elections Board Vice Chairman Beverly Holmes and behind her is Chairman Keith Sellars; Ethel Fuller and Elections Board Member Johnny Brown.
Retiree Rosemary D. Gibson was unable to attend the meeting, but the voters in the Climax voting precinct may never forget her.
Ms. Sammie Battle was always a pleasant, lovely person to see each election. I will miss seeing her.