The front-line facilitators of democracy, poll workers are trained problem-solvers. They’re strict followers of procedure, staying quiet about their own politics and keeping the line moving. 

More than ever, their work calls for maintaining a sense of integrity that can shore up respect and help soothe any voter who seeks to do more than humbly engage in the electoral process. (Some poll workers receive deescalation training.)

Today, Sophie Hills and Caitlin Babcock help us understand a critical, sometimes underappreciated election-time role in the United States. 

Also: Don’t miss our online guide to the U.S. presidential candidates’ policy stances. It’s highly shareable.