To the editor:

Today was an inspiring day.

I had the privilege of serving as an election worker and volunteer at the Field House. While it was an honor to be asked to serve in that role, that alone was not the source of my feelings. Instead, my inspiration came from watching our town come together in a peaceful, joyful, and neighborly way to exercise one of our most important civic responsibilities.

As the day went on, the results became less important to me than the way we shared the experience. I saw parents with children in tow, senior citizens, first-time voters, and neighbors from all four precincts participating. I watched people enter and leave the polls, happy to be enjoying a beautiful day and proud to be taking part in the democratic process.

As I greeted each voter and thanked them for voting, they returned the favor with enthusiasm, and many kindly thanked me for my small part in helping make Election Day a success. I had no idea how anyone was voting, and it didn’t matter. We were all there for the same purpose: to voice our opinions about what we believe is best for our little town.

And we did it as a community.

I am writing this letter before I know the results of the election. After ten hours of participating in democracy, I’m finally home. My feet hurt! But I am so proud of the way our town demonstrated that, despite the noise and division often associated with politics, we can still come together with respect, goodwill, and a shared commitment to our community.

Today, I witnessed democracy in action, and I was inspired by all of you.

Thank you.

Laura Berkowitz Kurzrok

Marblehead