MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - After taking an oath to serve as one of Meridian Township's election precinct chairman, Rich Weingartner of Okemos prepares to follow his Election Day routine.

"I'm a little tired but you get used to it," said Weingartner.

A routine that requires Rich to wake up at 4:00 a.m., pack up his car up at 5:00, and make his way to the Township Hall for several early morning duties.

Once arrived, it’s one absentee ballot after another.

"One of the first things they make us do this early is count," said Weingartner.

But after 12 years of working elections, seven of which he served as chair, Rich is used to these early morning responsibilities.

After the ballots are packed, Rich arrives to precinct 20 at 5:45 a.m. where there is still a lot to be done before the polls open at 7:00 a.m.

From there the room is re-arranged, posters are hung, the Oath of Office is read, machines are turned on, and workers are reminded of their duties.

And as the countdown begins, Rich and workers prepare for what could be a slower than average Primary.

There were very few voters at precinct 20 today due to the lowest voter turnout since the year 1990 but that hasn’t stopped Rich or the rest of his crew from remaining dedicated and enthusiastic throughout the day.

"We need to stay upbeat we like to make a positive atmosphere as the voters come in. We don’t need to make them feel depressed that were tired from being up so early in the morning," said Weingartner.

But through the ups and downs on Election Day, Rich reminds us the true reason behind his commitment.

"It always reminds me how truly lucky we are to have these open elections where lots of us take it for granted or complain about all the political ads or all of the politics that go on but to know that we truly do have a voice in who governs our country," said Weingartner.

And that’s why Rich continues to work these long election days year after year, helping Michigan residents to find out who will serve on their local, statewide, and national government.