Poll-working Couple Handled More Than 60 Elections

Some volunteers serve as poll workers for a few city elections, but how about more than 60 elections? 

That's the number of fall, spring and special elections that Howard and Joyce Washechek have helped run Brookfield polling sites.

As they officially retired a chief inspectors after the April 5 election, the couple was honored with a city resolution approved Tuesday recognizing their service.

City Clerk Kristine Schmidt said the Washecheks created a warm, inviting environment for democracy in action.

"It was just a pleasure to walk into (their polling site)," Schmidt said. "It was always so calm no matter how many people were voting."

In interviews at the polling site on April 5 for a Brookfield Patch , the Washecheks said they began volunteering as poll workers in 1987. The city resolution said it was September 1990.

Howard Washechek stepped down starting in April 1995 when he was on the ballot and won election as a 6th district alderman, serving two terms. Joyce Washechek continued to work the polls, and after Howard ended his stint as an elected official, he also returned as a poll worker.

They have seen many changes in the past two decades. Four different machines were introduced. New laws were passed, making changes to registration and other rules.

"They handled each change as a new challenge with a positive attitude and a can-do approach," says the resolution adopted by aldermen.

They were appointed as chief inspectors, trained new poll workers and helped the city recruit new volunteers.

"Howard and Joyce will be best remembered for their steadfastness, their attention to detail, their willingness to embrace new technology and rules, and their well-run and serene polling location at the Municipal Court chambers," the resolution says.