Omaha, August 28, 2025
News Summary
George Reed, an 86-year-old poll worker from Douglas County, received accolades for 65 years of continuous election service at a recognition ceremony. He has worked more than 80 consecutive elections, never missing one, even during the pandemic. Reed was awarded the NASS Medallion and appointed as a ceremonial admiral in the Nebraska Navy. Local officials emphasized the importance of poll workers as Nebraska faces a critical shortage of election workers ahead of future elections.
Omaha — An 86-year-old Douglas County poll worker, George Reed, was honored for 65 years of continuous election service at a recognition ceremony that included a ceremonial appointment and a national award.
Key facts and recognition
Reed began working polling places in 1960 and has served in more than 80 consecutive elections, never missing a single election even during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the ceremony, Reed received the NASS Medallion Award for outstanding service in the elections mission and was ceremonially appointed an admiral in the fictitious Nebraska Navy by the governor, a lighthearted tradition that acknowledged his long record of service. The event also marked Reed’s induction into a Hall of Fame that recognized him and 21 other poll workers who have each served more than 20 years.
Recent service and role in 2024
During the 2024 presidential election, Reed served as a runner for Douglas County elections operations, delivering supplies to 233 local polling places across Nebraska’s most populous county. Local election officials and state election leaders used the recognition event to underscore the essential role poll workers play in running safe and fair elections and to spotlight the broader workforce needs facing election administrations.
Officials’ assessments and workforce needs
State and local election officials highlighted an ongoing shortage of poll workers. Nebraska officials estimate the state needs more than 9,000 election workers to staff polling sites for upcoming elections. National statistics show a decline in poll worker participation from roughly 1 million people in prior cycles to about 772,000 serving in the 2024 presidential election. Officials said this decline and the aging of a reliable retiree base are creating a pressing need to recruit new and younger poll workers across Nebraska.
Recruitment and compensation
Efforts are underway to attract younger Nebraskans to poll working roles. Training is provided for poll workers, and individuals are compensated for both training and Election Day work. Local and state officials are encouraging community members to consider serving to ensure polling places remain staffed in future elections.
Personal background and community ties
Reed worked for 45 years at the Metropolitan Utilities District, Omaha’s natural gas and water utility, before retiring. Family members attended the recognition ceremony, including a daughter who traveled from Boston to join the event. State election leaders and the governor noted shared memories with Reed of early presidential elections and recognized his long dedication to local democracy.
Context and looking ahead
Reed’s start in 1960 means he worked polling places during the 1964 presidential election, when Lyndon Johnson carried Nebraska in a result that, to date, remains the last time a Democrat won all of the state’s Electoral College votes. Officials warned that Nebraska will be in the national spotlight for upcoming statewide elections in 2026, making the recruitment and retention of poll workers a priority for election officials who must staff voting locations across the state.
Community implications
Local leaders emphasized that poll workers are a critical component of election integrity and access. The recognition ceremony balanced celebration of long service with practical calls to action aimed at replenishing the pool of election workers, especially as many long-serving volunteers age out of the role.
FAQ
Who is George Reed?
George Reed is an 86-year-old Douglas County poll worker who began serving in 1960 and has completed more than 65 years of continuous service and over 80 consecutive elections.
What honors did Reed receive?
Reed was inducted into a poll worker Hall of Fame, received the NASS Medallion Award for outstanding election service, and was ceremonially appointed an admiral in the fictitious Nebraska Navy.
How many polling places did Reed serve in 2024?
Reed worked as a runner in 2024, delivering supplies to 233 polling places in Douglas County.
How many election workers does Nebraska need?
Officials report Nebraska needs more than 9,000 election workers statewide to staff future elections.
Are poll workers paid?
Poll workers receive compensation for training and for work on Election Day, according to state and local officials.
When is the next statewide election in Nebraska?
The next statewide elections are scheduled for 2026, a cycle expected to draw wider attention.
How can someone become a poll worker?
Interested residents should contact their local election office to learn about eligibility, training, scheduling, and compensation for poll workers.
Quick reference table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | George Reed |
| Age | 86 |
| Years Serving | 65 years (since 1960) |
| Consecutive Elections | More than 80 |
| 2024 Role | Runner delivering supplies to 233 polling places |
| Employment History | 45 years at Metropolitan Utilities District (Omaha) |
| Awards & Honors | NASS Medallion Award; Hall of Fame induction; ceremonial Nebraska Navy admiral appointment |
| Nebraska workforce need | More than 9,000 election workers needed statewide |
| National poll worker numbers | Declined from about 1,000,000 to 772,000 in 2024 |
| Next statewide election | 2026 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Nebraska Examiner: Six-Decade Omaha Election Worker Celebrated
- Nebraska Examiner: Nebraska Election Officials Seek More Poll Workers Amid National Shortage
- WOWT: Douglas County Election Office Seeking Volunteers, Poll Workers
- Omaha.com: Omaha Election Updates and Poll Worker Needs
- Google Search: Poll Worker Recruitment Nebraska
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
