Donald Trump has refused to rule out sending ICE agents to the polls, even though sending armed federal agents to a polling place is illegal. They wouldn’t have to do anything beyond being there to intimidate voters, and their presence in well-chosen places could influence an election’s outcome.

We can discourage it by making sure there are observers at high-risk locations to record them if they show up. Big Brother, knowing he’s the one being watched, may be more reluctant to follow through. Knowing this, on September 1 I went to the City Hall in Haverhill, Mass., a polling place for the state primary. It’s less likely ICE would interfere with the primary, but it’s good practice and establishes my commitment for November. Next week I have similar plans for the New Hampshire primary, though I haven’t decided where. I chose the Haverhill location because a valued friend was working at the polls there.

It was boring work, which is a good thing. It was also miserable weather. Part way through the morning, I had to go home and change into dry socks. I was standing intermittently for four hours, which says I’m in better shape than I thought. Forgetting that ultraviolet doesn’t care about clouds, I got a slight sunburn on my ear.

Did I accomplish anything? I made a few people aware someone was standing by with a camera in case anything nasty happened. While I was there, I had a friendly conversation with the cop who was stationed there and told some of the poll workers what I was doing; my friend probably explained further when I wasn’t there. I went outside and got some exercise. On top of that, for a few hours I was pushing back against the intimidation of Americans.

It was worth it. It will be worth it again next week, even if it’s as boring as I hope it will be.