The just-finished election cycle would not have happened without candidates. Got to have those candidates for elections to happen.

There’s another ingredient — aside from voters — needed for elections to occur. Got to have poll workers at each precinct, from the time the polls open as the rooster crows to the time the polls close as darkness follows dusk. It’s the poll workers who check in voters, provide the ballots and make sure the voting process proceeds as smoothly as possible. Yes, poll workers get paid. But being a poll worker goes beyond getting a paycheck — just ask any board of elections official.

Poll workers undergo training. In fact, some poll workers in Beaufort County were being trained this past Saturday.

Poll workers consist of a chief judge, judges and assistants for each precinct.

When working at early voting satellite locations, poll workers must provide each voter with the correct ballot. There were 12 ballot styles in Beaufort County alone t his election cycle. Poll workers are trained to deal with poll-related problems and help voters from being confused when dealing with lengthy ballots. At times, poll workers register new voters, sign in registered voters and assist voters who made need help. Simply put, poll workers ensure voters have as easy an experience as possible when exercising their right to vote.

Being a poll worker is a way of being involved in the American political process. It’s a way of serving your fellow citizens.

Poll workers should not influence elections. They should make the election process as efficient and fair as possible.

With the general elections for 2014 now over, it’s too late to serve as a poll worker this year. But for those of you interested in serving as a poll worker, don’t fret. There will be other elections in 2015 and beyond.