Election Day is one of Gilson Kendall's favorite days of the year.
He's typically one of the first to arrive at the poll location on Treher Road in Fayetteville, where he often volunteers.
Even when the 79-year-old Fayetteville resident was hospitalized Sunday night due to complications with his blood pressure, voting was still top of mind.
"One of the first things I thought of when I was in the ambulance was that I wouldn't be able to vote. It kind of upset me," Kendall recalled.
Since he wasn't able to be at the poll Tuesday morning, staff at WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital brought a ballot for the primary election to him.
"I was really excited when I found out I could vote," Kendall said.
It has become tradition at WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital for staff to go door-to-door on Election Day asking patients if they would like to cast their vote. If they do, initial paperwork is filled out and notarized. It is then taken to the Franklin County Courthouse where emergency ballots are issued for patients.
According to Barbara Selman, patient relations coordinator at WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital, only a handful of patients took advantage of the voting opportunity Tuesday as many Pennsylvanians already used mail-in voting due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pennsylvania's primary election had been scheduled for April 28.
"Voting is something that is a tradition, a right, and gives patients some sense of normalcy and control," Selman said.
Kendall immediately shared the news via phone with some of his fellow volunteers at the polling location where he normally puts the first pot of coffee on to start a long day.
He is also known to remind people in his Fayetteville circles, "Don't forget to vote."
During the 10-plus years that Kendall has served volunteering at polls, he says the most gratifying thing for him is when he sees younger people come out and vote.
"It really brings joy to my heart," said Kendall.
For a Navy veteran who has always taken great pride in his country, given the chance to vote Tuesday was a huge boost to his spirits.
"This meant a lot to me. I can't give enough praise for the care I am getting here," Kendall said.
