SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – A former political science professor became a poll watcher to see a different side of things. It’s Bruce Shefrin’s first year working at the polls. He said that as a former political science professor he was curious to see democracy from this perspective.
Shefrin said he was curious to see if he could learn more about the political system than he already knew. He finds that being a poll watcher allowed him to see what politics look like outside of the classroom.
“It’s another side, it’s not a textbook side. It’s a more operational side of government,” said Shefrin. “I’m curious to see what I can learn.”
Even though the morning has been slow, Shefrin said it’s still been a good experience.
“It’s not a high stress job, but it’s interesting nevertheless,” he said.
Shefrin said he hopes to see the polls more crowded as the day goes on but understands that what’s often on the ballot motivates people to come and vote. Even with the lower voter turnout, he says it’s been interesting to see what elections look like from a poll watcher’s point of view.
