The work of democracy continued at the polls June 2 as voters did their civic duty casting their ballots in the Pennsylvania primary.

The polling place at the New Tripoli Fire Company was well staffed and ready to welcome voters, even in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tape on the floor indicated 6 feet of safe distancing between voters.

Just about 218 votes were cast by 3:45 p.m. but many more voters were expected to visit the polling place into the evening.

“People are waiting to get home, get dinner ready and get the kids settled before coming in,” said Sabrina Pendleton, who was ready to check in each voter.

Voter turnout throughout the day was “nice and steady,” according to Matthew Shields, one of the crew.

“And a good majority were wearing masks,” he said.

Shields and the rest of the workers were at their posts from early morning and would continue until 8 p.m.

Paula Thompson, designated judge at this site, said this year there was a tremendous request for mail-in ballots.

Pendleton said more Democrats than Republicans availed themselves of the mail-in option at this particular location.

“The mail-in ballots go right to the county building and they tally them right away,” she explained, but the votes tallied are not reported at that time.

The mail-in option permits any voter to request a ballot.

“Voter fraud is definitely taken care of,” said Christy Muick, with assurance from behind her mask.

The team of five was new to this site.

“Because of their age and the coronavirus, a lot of people who manned the polls in previous years didn’t want to expose themselves,” Thompson said.

“There were four hours of videos to watch,” explained Katie Lobach. “Normally, training would be in person but the alternative was offered because of the pandemic.”

First-time voter Camille Stanley explained why she was there.

“Mom’s making me vote,” Stanley said.

She had come with her mother and a friend to do her part.

“She’ll get the hang of it when she gets older,” her mother, Jody Stanley, said.

Pennsylvania was one of nine states to have its primary on June 2.

Gov. Tom Wolf signed a bill postponing the state’s 2020 General Primary Election from April 28 to June 2 at the request of county elections officials who contended the uncertainty due to the pandemic made it impossible to gear up for an election by the end of April.