Fond du Lac Poll Workers Share Insights on Election Day Duties

Veteran volunteers describe the challenges and procedures of overseeing local voting.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:54am

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of a solitary ballot box in a polling station, with warm diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing the dedicated work of local election officials.The unsung heroes of local democracy, Fond du Lac's poll workers ensure the integrity of elections through their tireless efforts and vigilance.Fond du Lac Today

In Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, thousands of voters will head to the polls on Election Day to cast their ballots and decide the community's future leaders. But the poll workers who facilitate this democratic process face their own unique challenges, from long workdays to evolving election laws and procedures, according to veteran volunteers like City Clerk Maggie Hefter and Karol Hankwitz.

Why it matters

The perspectives of Fond du Lac's poll workers provide valuable insight into the on-the-ground realities of administering elections at the local level, where voters directly interface with election officials and processes. Their experiences highlight the importance of clear, consistent, and secure voting protocols to uphold the integrity of the democratic process.

The details

Hefter notes that the long hours are the hardest part of being a poll worker, while Hankwitz says she's learned a lot about election laws and procedures over her 20 years of service. Election official Dusty Krikau explains that recent changes, such as new rules around absentee ballot drop-off, require poll workers to be vigilant about following the proper safeguards. Krikau says her team reconciles voter numbers hourly to ensure the tallies match.

  • Fond du Lac poll workers arrive as early as 5:30 a.m. on Election Day.
  • Polls in Fond du Lac are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day.

The players

Maggie Hefter

Fond du Lac City Clerk and veteran poll worker.

Karol Hankwitz

Fond du Lac poll worker for the past 20 years.

Dusty Krikau

Fond du Lac election official responsible for overseeing voting procedures.

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What they’re saying

“I think the hardest part about being a poll worker is the long day.”

— Maggie Hefter, Fond du Lac City Clerk

“I learned a lot about our election laws and how often they change. And the whole procedure is different then you would see it as a voter.”

— Karol Hankwitz, Fond du Lac poll worker

“This year there are specific rules about how your absentee ballots is handled, as far as where you can drop it off, when you can drop it off, and who you can drop it off with.”

— Dusty Krikau, Fond du Lac election official

What’s next

Fond du Lac officials will continue to train and prepare poll workers ahead of the next election cycle, ensuring they are equipped to handle evolving voting procedures and maintain the integrity of the democratic process.

The takeaway

Fond du Lac's poll workers provide a firsthand look at the dedication and vigilance required to administer elections at the local level, underscoring the importance of clear, consistent, and secure voting protocols to uphold the integrity of the democratic process.