Raleigh Poll Worker Marks 50 Years at Polls

Red Pridgeon has volunteered at Chavis Park Community Center in Raleigh every election since 1976 and is still serving this year.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Civic Engagement

Low red brick community center seen across a green lawn, framed by oak trees, with an empty flag pole at the edge of the grass under soft morning light. — Red Pridgeon has worked as a poll worker at Chavis Park Community Center in Raleigh every election since 1976, including this year's midterm cycle. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Red Pridgeon volunteered Tuesday as a poll worker for the 50th year at the Chavis Park Community Center polling place in Raleigh. He has not missed an election since 1976, when he first worked the Carter presidential race.

Why it matters

Pridgeon's long record of service comes as early voting turnout in the 2026 midterm election is outpacing early voting turnout in the 2022 midterm election. His work answering voter questions helps residents of Raleigh navigate candidates and issues on Election Day.

Pridgeon has served as a poll worker since 1976 without missing an election, a record of 50 years of Election Day service. Early voting turnout for the 2026 midterms is running ahead of the 2022 midterm pace, though exact totals were not provided.

The players

Red Pridgeon

A longtime Raleigh poll worker who has volunteered at elections since 1976 and has not missed one in that time.

Chavis Park Community Center

A Raleigh community facility that serves as a polling place on Election Day.

The details

Pridgeon spends Election Day at the Chavis Park Community Center answering voters' questions about candidates, issues and the importance of voting. He learned voter education from his mother, who volunteered on Election Day for more than 40 years, and his motto is no vote, no voice.

1976: Pridgeon first works an election, the Carter presidential race.
2022: Midterm early voting turnout serves as the comparison baseline.
Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026: Pridgeon volunteers at the Chavis Park polling place on Election Day.
After 2028: Pridgeon says he may consider stopping volunteer work.

Season Trajectory

Early voting turnout for the 2026 midterms is outpacing the 2022 midterm pace, marking a continuation of heightened participation compared with the prior cycle. Long-serving volunteers like Pridgeon, who has worked every election since the 1976 Carter race, are part of the civic infrastructure sustaining that engagement.

Voters at the Chavis Park Community Center can get answers about candidates and issues from experienced poll workers on Election Day. Early voting is a practical option for residents who want to avoid long lines on the day itself.

The takeaway

Long-running volunteers like Red Pridgeon keep polling places staffed and voters informed, and their steady presence is one reason local elections run smoothly. Residents who want to help can consider signing up to serve as poll workers in their own communities.