Impromptu Field Trip #2 - The Uppers Visit the Polls

Last Tuesday, November 5th, Uppers took a trip to Greenfield High School to check out the hustle and bustle at the polls. Traffic, typically a burden for most, was a positive sign of participation in the election. After finding a spot to park and playing frogger in the parking lot, we made it to the building. In all my years of voting in Greenfield, I have never seen a police car parked on the lawn directly next to the doors, nor have I seen cement barricades blocking the entrance, a true sign of the times we’re in.

Our group gathered in the cafeteria and teachers spoke to students about the voting process. We got a lot of attention from passerbyers, with two or three stopping to listen to our discussion, and another making a joke about voter fraud. 

Very few students raised their hands when asked if they had been to the polls with an adult before. This inspired me to take our impromptu trip to the next level. I located the City Clerk, Kathy Scott who offered to take us on a ten-cent tour. She came to the cafeteria and shared a bit about her role during elections then escorted us to the giant gymnasium filled with voting booths and people. Kathy gave us so much information, time, and care. The Uppers were amazing, observant, curious, and excited. Kathy explained that the cheering we were hearing happens when a first-time voter checks in.

We waited patiently at the back side of the polls as Andy approached his precinct table. We watched as he took his blank ballot to a booth, marked his choices, and put his sheet through the machine. Although Andy is not a first-time voter, we cheered as he exited and then we walked out together.

What an awesome experience for our Uppers community! We cannot thank Kathy Scott enough for her generosity.