Poll Workers in Clay assist voters. Ⓒ 2026 Austin Amburgey
CLAY, N.Y. (NCC News) – When former middle school teacher Martha Lawson showed up to Clay Town Hall Tuesday morning her intent was the same as it was in class for years, to help those around her. Lawson was a part of the team that worked the polls all day long, and she says watching voters do something for the first time never fails to make her smile.
“Anytime somebody votes for the first time, it’s really cool,” Lawson said.
Jeff Kulichik’s story started much earlier.
“My dad was a Navy veteran,” Kulichik said. “So our family has always voted, and I just wanted to continue that legacy.”
Both Lawson and Kulichik are poll workers in Clay and Lawson said there was one moment when she knew she wanted to help.
“The 2017 election was the primary thing that got me to do it,” Lawson said. “Also, I figured this was a good way to be an example of our civic duty to my students.”
While Lawson retired two years ago, she and Kulichik both have helped on Election Day for over five years. Their help is crucial to Poll Site Managers, like Shakima Williams-Jones.
“We’re trying to make sure that voting is as easy as possible for everyone that’s coming to vote, and working is as easy as possible for those who have come here and essentially volunteered,” Williams-Jones said.
Those working at the polls in Clay arrived at 5 a.m. and will be working until nearly 10 p.m. Tuesday evening. But for Kulichik the time commitment is worth it for the impact he is making.
“Being a poll worker is a great way to honor your civic duty,” Kulichik said.
Every voter and worker has a different reason for participating in an election, and Williams-Jones says her reason for showing up is simple.
“It means that I belong here and am a part of this country, and am doing my due diligence to make it better,” Williams-Jones said.
Whatever the reasons are, Lawson says the importance of voting shouldn’t be lost on anyone in the country.
“It’s the most important thing we have as Americans,” Lawson said.