This Philadelphia poll worker’s message to voters: ‘Show up’

Philadelphia judge of elections Jett Biggertt works to ensure a safe and fair election, and a problem-free voting experience for voters in the city’s 25th ward.

As the judge of elections in Philadelphia’s 25th ward, 18th division, Jett Biggertt does a lot of dotting of i’s and crossing of t’s to make sure their polling place is staffed up and ready to run smoothly on Election Day.

They get the necessary materials from the city commissioner’s office the week before the election. They make sure poll workers are there and prepared to operate the voting machines, check in voters, and any other duties necessary. 

Biggertt’s goal, they said, is to ensure a safe and fair election and a problem-free voting experience for the approximately 600 registered voters in the 25th ward, which includes parts of the Kensington and Port Richmond neighborhoods.

“I want to be sure that my neighbors have a friendly, consistent, and competent polling place experience,” Biggertt said. “It feels very disenfranchising to be faced with anything less than that.”

We spoke with Biggertt about being a poll worker in Pennsylvania. (Answers have been edited for length and clarity).

How did you become a poll worker?

I signed up right before the 2020 election, but I didn’t hear anything from the city commissioner’s office until 2021. They called me in just because there was nobody available to work the polls. I showed up and I was the only one working the polls, so I figured out how to be a judge of elections. 

What do you enjoy most about the experience?

I definitely relate to the old-heads that are also judges of elections. I love my polling place because there’s three divisions all in one room. And we’ve got some new blood, some old blood and you really get to know people over the 14-hour day together, and I really love them. 

What does your preparation in advance of Election Day look like?

Ideally, you’ll take one of the courses, in person or online, that goes over how to use the ExpressVote XL machines, and how to use the electronic poll books. That’s a new thing that’s been amazing. You can easily look up people when they come in to see if they’re at the right table and direct them to the right table. Or, if they’re in the wrong polling place, it tells you where they’re supposed to be. It’s all right there.  

What would you say to someone who’s on the fence about becoming a poll worker, who’s not sure that it’s a worthwhile pursuit? 

It requires commitment and dedication, like showing up when you say you are going to show up. Being there for your neighbors is really important. I just think, in general, engaging in the process is important. Whether you’re just coming to vote or if you’re signing up as a judge of elections or a poll worker. There’s just so much going on in the world (that) it’s easy to just want to disengage sometimes. I think it’s more important than ever that we open up our eyes, and ears, do our research, and discuss and show up.

As a voter, what’s inspiring your vote this year? 

There’s no perfect candidate right now. But I think being passive in our elective process doesn’t achieve the changes that we want to see either. So, for me, it’s about showing up and at least making sure that it’s not a passive vote, or non-vote, from me.

What advice do you have for voters ahead of the November election?

People should do their research before they come to the polls. Committee of 70 is a great nonpartisan resource that explains who and what is on the ballot. Utilizing that resource, you can do your research ahead of time and have an informed plan before you even get to the polls. 

Are you ready to vote? Make sure to check your voter registration status, see who’s on your ballot, and make a voting plan here.