IRVINE
After serving as a volunteer at various polling places over the last 66 years, Ethel Irish Coplen finally received her due Wednesday in front of more than 100 fans at the Lakeview Senior Center. Secretary of State Bill Jones inducted the 92-year-old into the Voter Participation Hall of Fame, which the state created five years ago to recognize citizens for their voter outreach efforts. The county registrar of voters nominated Coplen for the honor, which is limited to one per year in the state.
Coplen, a 10-year Irvine resident and lifelong Californian, serves as Mayor Christina Shea’s representative to the Irvine Senior Citizens Advisory Council. Shea called Coplen a “remarkable example of public participation at any age” on Wednesday.
Fifth District Supervisor Thomas W. Wilson told Coplen he wouldn’t have missed the event for the world. Replied Coplen: “I wouldn’t either.” She said it was the best day she’s ever had.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
