On Sept. 8, New Hampshire’s state primary day, I spent the day as an official, trained observer in a polling place in a small city in that state. We had been trained on Zoom, studied the lengthy manual deeply, and with a friend, felt prepared to follow instructions and report any “issue” of interference through a well-monitored network online.

We were vigilant, watching carefully as each voter came to the table to be signed in and receive their paper ballot. We noted the tables set up for same day registration and voting; the area where undeclared voters, today voting in a party primary, could change their designation back to undeclared. We watched as those who had electronically voted then put their paper ballot into a machine to be counted. The table for absentee ballots was ready with staff to begin at 10 a.m., names announced for processing.

The news has alerted all of us to the threats of “voter fraud” and the potential for government “monitors” at polling places. Many voters, whatever their political preferences, have become alarmed that our voting places are no longer reliable or safe. The flood of news media warnings might threaten the very foundation of our now struggling democracy.

Throughout the country, the majority of polling places will continue to be predictably safe and well functioning. For those that might be threatened with federal agents, we need to remember that our elections are run by our states, and federal agents will not be allowed inside polling places.

Though this was just one town, and my singular experience, I want to share what I saw on Sept. 8. From the moment we arrived at 7:45 AM, we were greeted warmly by the monitor, responsible for the functioning of the room. Voters were greeted with a smile, instructed through the process of signing in, and even when the voter did not have accurate ID, the monitor carefully checked approved alternate methods. No voter was turned away.

Those who came throughout the morning, though not completely representative of our country, were the young, old, conservative and stylishly modern… Green hair was well represented, as were the disabled and tattooed. No matter what their party ballot, all were treated warmly and with care.

For me, the hours, without incident, were a window into what our country can be, and is, in the polling places of America. Electoral personnel take their responsibilities seriously.

Please talk with those you know who might feel that voting is not safe anymore, and perhaps, that their vote is not important. Whatever the news media has promulgated, our vote is really what continues to make America great. Vote, friends.

Janet Q. Nelson lives in Northampton.