Belleville Poll Worker: Election Day Was Surprisingly ‘Pleasant’

BELLEVILLE, NJ — Kathy Mackie has been working the election tables in Belleville for two decades. And between the coronavirus, partisan fighting and fears of civil unrest, she was biting her nails on Tuesday as local voters hit the polls.

But now that it’s over, the veteran poll worker has an unexpected adjective to describe Election Day in Belleville: “pleasant.”

According to Mackie, the day went smoothly and without incident.

“Lines were a bit long at times, but voters took it all in stride,” Mackie told Patch. “Folks were [social] distancing, wearing masks and smiling – all good signs.”

Mackie said that her co-workers pulled together as a team and did a great job of keeping things flowing at the polls. And when some voters thanked them for their service – especially during a pandemic – it gave them “a sense of accomplishment and pride.”

Now, the next step is to await the final counts and results, she said.

• See related article: Belleville, Nutley School Board Elections (See Early Results)

Prior to Election Day, Mackie told Patch that the anxiety level was peaking.

“I have worked at the election tables in Belleville High School for 20 years and next week will be busy in many ways,” she said. “There is word that police presence could be there, due to unrest expected. Other countries are watching us, as we fight against each other and this makes us an embarrassment.”

“Why can we not come together as a nation?” she questioned.

• See related article: Trump, Biden Rallies Take Place Side-By-Side In Livingston

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