Election Day 2020 (Photo: Phil Roeder)
The nonprofit organization We the Veterans has wrapped up its “Vet the Vote” campaign, a nationwide effort to encourage Veterans and their families to volunteer as poll workers for upcoming elections. Through this campaign, the group has recruited over 161,000 Veterans and military family members from across the United States, who are now prepared to serve at polling locations during the November presidential election, as reported by MilitaryTimes.
With the recruitment phase ending, We the Veterans is focused on increasing public awareness about the role these volunteers will play in restoring confidence in the U.S. electoral process. The organization believes Veterans can make a significant impact, especially at a time when election integrity is often questioned. Julie Hendricks, director of operations for Vet the Vote, said that roughly one in ten poll workers this November will either be a Veteran or a family member of a Veteran. According to Hendricks, Veterans are highly trusted members of the community, making them well-suited to assure voters that their ballots are in capable hands.
Staffing polling locations is a significant task, requiring around 800,000 to 1 million temporary workers to keep locations running smoothly. These workers perform essential tasks such as welcoming and checking in voters, issuing ballots, and guiding people through the voting process. Recognizing this challenge, We the Veterans partnered with the U.S. Election Assistance Commission to boost recruitment numbers. Thomas Hicks, chairman of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, emphasized that having local, trusted volunteers serve as poll workers helps ensure a positive experience for voters.
To amplify its mission, We the Veterans has engaged various partners, including NASCAR, NFL, NBA, Walmart, and Microsoft to spread awareness about the campaign. Throughout the year, the organization has also coordinated events nationwide, collaborating with election officials in states like New Hampshire, Montana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Michigan. These events provided an opportunity to educate communities about the electoral process and encourage citizens to volunteer as poll workers.
Veterans involved with Vet the Vote reflect the community’s enduring commitment to civic duty and democratic values. Hendricks stated that Vet the Vote is about Veterans continuing to serve by helping to facilitate safe and secure elections. By taking on this responsibility, they demonstrate that Americans from all backgrounds can come together to support fair elections for future generations.
For more information on becoming a poll worker, visit the Vet the Vote website.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.