A persistent poll worker

PERKINS TWP. — Each election cycle, there's constant change with the names on a ballot and the process for how voters elect candidates or issues. But in Erie County, there's one ever-present figure ensuring residents fulfill their civic duties. For more than 50 years, Shirley Mapus has served as a local poll worker on Election Days in November and at other times, such as during primaries. Her latest shift occurred on Tuesday at The Chapel on Galloway Road in Perkins Township. It's one of the area's largest voting districts. "I just enjoy doing it," said Mapus, who also volunteers with Firelands Regional Medical Center and at the Sandusky State Theatre. "I get to see all my neighbors. This precinct, it's my neighborhood. I like to see the people and just have something to do." Mapus, who turns 91 on Thursday, helps people sign in before they vote. In fact, she's the only poll worker at her precinct to utilize a tablet. "When the computers work, it's good," said Mapus, a lifelong Sandusky-area resident. "When I first started, we had the old machines with the levers. They were a pain in the butt." Mapus said she's worked every Election Day since 1979. Before then, she helped out in some contests here and there. She estimates her Election Day service surpasses 50 years. "Voting is important for our freedom," Mapus said. When asked about what she enjoys most about working, Mapus — married to her last husband, Don, they had one child, two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren — said her community "has been good to me." In return, they greatly respect her. After an interview with the Register, poll workers at her precinct gave Mapus a standing ovation. During training sessions, election officials lean on her experience to ensure others, especially newcomers, can perform this all-important job correctly. "She is a valuable member of our team, and we are lucky to have her," said Adrienne James, deputy director for the Erie County elections board.