Fulfilling a Civic Duty

Ken Farmer celebrates 90th birthday as poll volunteer

Karmen Payne The Leeds News

LEEDS — In 1920 America was much different than it is today. Prohibition was in force, the Great Depression had not occurred, women had just obtained the legal right to vote in the United States and the globe was experiencing its first worldwide war.  

Ken Farmer was born that year. In his lifetime he has witnessed society and life in America evolve vastly. Wars have come and gone, transportation has made the earth shrink and technology has revolutionized the life of every American.

Through all the changes, Farmer has held fast to some timeless American values. He grew up being taught and believing in the principles of American freedom, faith in his country and civic responsibility. In his lifetime he has experienced hard times, seen his share of battles and overcome the losses. As a veteran and former prisoner of war, he has first-hand knowledge of what American’s rights as citizens cost men and women on the frontlines of war. Even as time has marched steadily forward, Farmer has refused to take a sideline seat.

“Young people need to vote or the government will deteriorate. Some people are already losing faith in our government,” said Farmer. “It is the responsibility of each individual to study the candidates, their records and what they stand for and make a choice.”

Farmer isn’t just talking, he is a man of action. On his 90th birthday, he was celebrating the wisdom he has gained and the goals he still has in mind for his countrymen by volunteering. Farmer has been a poll worker in Leeds for 20 years and spent his birthday working the polls once again at the poll located at Leeds First United Methodist Church.

“My daughter was working the polls,” said Farmer. “She said they needed some help so, I came then and kept coming back year after year.”

Voluntarily assisting Americans to exercise their right to elect public officials is a family affair for the Farmers. Now, his wife Lois is beside him at the polls each year giving of her time too.

“Voting can be as much about keeping someone out of office as is about electing a man,” Farmer added. “I study each person. Some people aren’t fit for the job. I vote for the man that will do the best job without misgivings.”

Voting records, media coverage and internet access have increased the resources available to voters for their education on the candidates. Americans can enter the booth as informed as they choose to be on the candidate of their choice.

“You just have to make a choice based on what you know and what choices are available,” Farmer instructed. “Sometimes it means you have to choose the best of the two if you don’t like either one.”  

The heat, the lines nor any other hassle keeps the Farmers from their spot at the polling station.

“It is a civic duty to work the polls,” said Farmer. “Someone has to do it.” Farmer says he doesn’t feel 90 years old.

“I don’t feel 90 at all,” he said. “I have plenty more to do and wish I could do a whole lot more than I get done. Especially for people less fortunate than I am. So, I do what I can.”

Farmer and his family attend Leeds First United Methodist Church and work the polls in the Family Life Center on Sixth Street. Farmer served his nation in World War II and survived the Bataan Death March.

“I plan to keep going and being active helping people as long as I can,” he said. “Its just the right thing to do.”

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