Military Veterans Stepping Up as Poll Workers Amid Election Security Concerns
In response to the increasing threats and skepticism surrounding election security, a nonprofit organization has successfully recruited over 160,000 veterans to serve as poll workers. This initiative comes at a critical time when there is a nationwide shortage of poll workers, partly due to the retirement of older volunteers and concerns over violent rhetoric.
Dan Nelson, head of the veterans’ group Mission43 in Boise, Idaho, is actively involved in training veterans and military spouses for this crucial role. He recently described an encounter with his young son who was curious about his work. “I’m going to set up an event to train poll workers so military veterans and military spouses can go learn to be poll workers,” Nelson explained. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the freedom to vote without bias, stating, “That’s the whole point – is people are required to offer people the freedom to vote the way they choose and to respect that vote of their community.”
Despite increasing political violence since 2015, Nelson and his network are undeterred. Training events hosted by his group, such as one in Idaho, have been attended by potential poll workers, including veterans like Marsha Bravo, who has been out of the military for decades, and Matthew McGarry, a recent retiree. McGarry sees this as an opportunity to continue his service, stating, “I think making sure that, like, we’ll have continued faith in the results of those elections is one of the most important things we can do.”
The campaign, known as Vet The Vote, started during the 2020 midterm elections and has gained momentum with endorsements from major organizations like NASCAR, the NBA, and the NFL. Ellen Gustafson, cofounder of Vet The Vote, reported surpassing their original goal of 100,000 volunteers. “We have blown that out of the water and have recruited 161,000 veterans and military family members to serve again in their communities as poll workers,” she said.
Gustafson highlighted that the volunteers come from every state and many have returned from previous election cycles. She noted that over 80% of those who signed up reported increased trust in the American election system. This is a crucial development, especially when a significant portion of the American public remains concerned about election fraud, as indicated by a recent NPR/PBS/Marist poll.
She encourages veterans who question the integrity of elections to become involved directly. “Learn how it does work. You know, make the elections happen with your own work,” Gustafson advised, adding that it is important to engage with the system constructively rather than just voicing concerns online.
With upcoming elections and the added challenges of recent storms in swing states like North Carolina and Georgia, Gustafson assures that there is still time for more veterans to join the effort. “Election officials will never complain about having too many people to call on,” she concluded, reinforcing the ongoing need for dedicated volunteers to ensure a smooth electoral process.
Read the original story at NPR
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