Student steps up to help in COVID election

Student steps up to help in COVID election

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MADISON — Nathan Thompson received time off from work at Kroger to fill in at the polls for senior citizens at high risk for COVID-19. 

“It felt really good to fill in for the people at risk,” said Thompson, 20. “I knew it would be good to help out and it felt great doing the right thing.”

Thompson’s dad Duane knew about the shortage and asked him to help and he thought it would be a good idea to help out the community.

Thompson is currently a junior at Holmes Community College and Kroger is a part-time job for him right now. He's hoping to become an actor and if he can't do that, he wants to work at Amazon when it comes to Madison County. 

Thompson spent 15 hours working on election eve and Election Day and was recognized by the Madison County Board of Supervisors on Monday and placed on the claims docket to be paid for his work. 

“Due to a technicality, Nathan was not paid for the work he did at the polls as an election technician,” said Ronny Lott, clerk of the Madison County Board of Supervisors. “His name was left out of the board minutes and claim docket.” 

Lott noted that there was a shortage of poll workers and election technicians due to high risk of virus exposure, and Thompson was graciously given time off from Kroger, where he is currently employed, to work at the polls to help with the shortage of workers. 

“I asked for Nathan to be included on the claims docket, and I believe this is the right thing to do,” Lott said. “I humbly ask that you consider this motion.” 

The board members personally thanked Thompson, who was present at the meeting, and all were in favor of Thompson being credited for his long election eve and day work hours. 

“I want to thank the polls for allowing me to participate and help out with the election. It was a real honor,” he said. “And thank you to the Board for recognizing me and the work I did for those who couldn’t make it.”






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