Election work: Low pay, high stress

+ why TV political advertising works, albino discrimination in Africa US Edition - Today's top story: America's election systems are more than just machines – they're people, who are overworked, underpaid and feeling pressured [View in browser]( US Edition | 8 November 2022 [The Conversation]( We’ve heard a lot about the peril facing U.S. democracy over the last few months. How the institutions of democracy are threatened by a tide of violence, misinformation, crackpot conspiracy theories and people acting in bad faith. In the midst of all this turmoil, the very people whose work is fundamental to maintaining democracy – election workers – are working hard and honestly in town halls, school gymnasiums, state offices and other public places to help America vote. It can be a thankless job – and the pressure on these people is getting worse, writes political scientist Amel Ahmed, from University of Massachusetts, Amherst. “The work is not lucrative – some make as little as $20,000 annually, [with a national average of $50,000](,” she writes. And for those assigned such a crucial role in our democracy, there’s not much glory, says Ahmed. “With titles such as 'clerk' and 'registrar,' these jobs are not usually steppingstones to a grander political career. Those who take up these positions typically are public-service-minded, looking to give back to their communities.“ So if you’re voting today, it would be good if you said "Thank you” to your election workers. They’re making democracy work. 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