Grand Island twin brothers among youngest to run polling sites

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) - The impact of elections typically goes beyond what is seen. In fact, what happens behind the scenes can make the biggest impact.

Twin brothers Wyatt and Grant Kohles worked — and managed — separate precincts in Grand Island during this year’s general election.

The Kohles brothers aren’t new to working the polls though. They have been doing so for four years, with 2022 being their first as site managers.

Wyatt Kohles managed Precinct 6 and Grant Kohles managed Precinct 18. The brothers said they are driven by their passion for history and civic process.

“Realizing there’s more than just you walk in, you take a box, you leave,” said Wyatt Kohles, poll manager for Hall County Elections. “There’s a whole set of steps and procedures that goes into making sure people’s voices are heard. It was kind of, ‘Oh, I’d like to be a part of that. I’d like to be in there and see how it works from the inside as somebody doing it.’”

Along with the responsibility that comes with being a manager, the twins were also leading individuals twice their age. Four years ago, the brothers were hand-picked by Hall County Elections Commissioner, Tracy Overstreet, because of what they attributed to their responsible attitudes as young teens.

“To have two 20-year-old managers of a site, very rare,” Overstreet said. “I think it’s really helpful to have young, energetic people involved in the election process.”

Election workers this year ranged from 16- to 87 years old, but only seven percent were under the age of 30. Wyatt Kohles said he loves working elections because of the social environment.

“Keeping involved and learning and getting to meet people, because this is one of the best social environments that I get to experience regularly,” he said. “Even though it’s not often, it is still regular. I get to go out and I get to meet people even if it’s just for a few minutes.”

Wyatt Kohles said he appreciates that everyone’s views are unique and that it’s an element he enjoys about managing the polling site.

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