WRIGHTSVILLE, Pa. — More than a dozen political lawn signs line up along Darvin Shelley's backyard. The 89-year-old Wrightsville native has collected these signs over the past few election cycles.
“It's interesting to me," said Shelley. "I was going to throw them away a couple of times, but maybe some more people could appreciate them and maybe collect them for history.”
Shelley said he has cast a ballot in every single election since 1957. He has also volunteered as a poll worker and judge of elections for many years.
Shelley's electoral participation got him recognized in the Pennsylvania Voter's Hall of Fame in 2015. According to the Pennsylvania Department of State, he is one of 288 voters in York County to receive this honor.
“I didn’t think anyone cared, but obviously they do, and they appreciate people voting, and it is important," said Shelley.
Bethann Boehler said she volunteered alongside Shelley for roughly four years as a poll worker. She said he acted as a mentor and always encouraged his neighbors to become more civically engaged.
“It felt like when I came into working with Darvin as a judge of elections it was a little family," said Boehler. “It’s a great example that young people need to understand.”
Despite retiring from assisting at his polling location, Shelley said he continues to encourage young people to help with the electoral process. He also stressed the importance of making your voice heard on Election Day.
“If you want to help yourself, you got to get involved," said Shelley. “If you don’t get involved, you’re not going to enjoy life. I mean, there are so many things that you can get benefits from by being involved in politics.”