SEIU Member Marsha Liverpool with U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio. Photo courtesy of SEIU District 1199 WV/KY/OH.
When early voting started in Ohio, SEIU District 1199 Member Marsha Liverpool was sure to be there on the first day.
"You have to vote at the Board of Elections when you vote early and it seemed like there were a lot of people there, but I was able to walk right up to a poll worker," Marsha said. "I went around lunch time and it took about half an hour."
As much as 40 percent of eligible voters are expected to early vote this year.
Marsha, who lives in Cleveland Heights, has been working as a member lost-timer since March.
She said being able to talk to people about how she has already voted is beneficial when she's canvassing. She's able to have a conversation about the process and some of the things that are on the ballot.
"I think to some degree, our very survival depends on our reelecting Barack Obama," Marsha said.
While in the field, Marsha recently helped an 82-year-old woman register to vote for the first time.
"I helped her fill out an application for her absentee ballot, and explained the process to her. She saw she could study up on the issues and vote at her own convenience. It was great to see her realizing, 'This is all I have to do!'"
Marsha said she especially encourages early voting where it's available. To help, her union hall is providing van transportation for anyone who needs a ride before or on Election Day.
"I didn't have to worry about the long lines, the weather, anything like that," Marsha explained. "When you vote early, you can take your time. You don't have to pay extra postage. It's a great feeling to know your vote is in and it's going to be counted early."
