Two weeks before the presidential elections, the towns of Tours and Amboise are still looking for presidents of polling stations and assessors to get citizens of Tours to vote. Fortunately, Tours can count on a few diehards, who take part in all the polls, like Martine Lambert, a resident of Les Fontaines.
Martine Lambert, assessor for three decades
Martine Lambert has lived in this neighborhood since 1989. It is here that she began, with stripping, more than 30 years ago. “I saw that they needed someone, I tried to help them. This is how I continued to be president of the polling station and assessor, depending on the needs”, she declares.
This year she will be president of the office for the presidential election, certainly in her district. For her, it is a civic duty. “We are in a country where we have the freedom to express ourselves. We see what happens in countries where this is not the case.“
It is a jewel that must not be altered.
– Juliette Geay
A commitment that dates back to childhood
In reality, his commitment goes back even further. In 1961, when she was 12, she entered a polling station for the first time. “It was for the “yes” or “no” for independent Algeria. It really impressed me.“
Since then, she has volunteered at each election, but she has more and more difficulty finding office colleagues. She therefore has a message for those who would be interested. “It’s interesting to see the result of all that has been said for a while, with people of different opinions.“
It is nothing at all, on a life, what one gives during a day.
In Tours, the town hall is still looking for around thirty assessors
About 30 people are missing to man the polling stations in Tours during the two rounds of the presidential election, explains Annaelle Schaller, deputy mayor of Tours, in charge of permanent democracy and elections. “We are still looking at certain sites only: in Douets, Montsoudun, Bouzignac, Maryse Bastié and Sanitas; we need to rebalance geographically.”
We are looking for regular assessors for the day, until the counting, but we can also have substitute assessors who come for the half-day, in support.
“We are more likely to find love at the polling station”
To try to find assessors, the City of Tours relies on humor. She unveiled a communication campaign with 5 good reasons to hold the polling station. For example: finding first name ideas for your next child, having the chance to shout “voted” all day, or maybe finding a soul mate.
“We are more likely to find love at the polling station than on dating sites“, laughs the assistant. “It is also to take a new habit, a new resolution to help with this device for the presidential elections.“
For its part, the City of Ambroise is still looking for around 20 people for the first round, and 15 for the second round. Your mission will be to welcome voters, check identity documents and ensure the smooth running of voting operations. To be an assessor, it suffices to be of legal age and to be registered on the electoral rolls of the city where you register.
Information and registrations : Amboise town hall 02 47 23 47 23