Veterans group will be at Hall of Fame Game recruiting poll workers
As our nation reels from the near assassination of a presidential candidate, many are talking about the need to break the polarization, and that’s a positive step.
Now we must put forward concrete ideas to do so. On Thursday, America will mark National Poll Worker Recruitment Day, a natural time for us to come together. As a native Ohioan, Marine Corps veteran and experienced poll worker, I have witnessed firsthand the unifying effect of patriotic participation.
Serving as a poll worker is an extension of the service and sacrifice that veterans and military families know so well. From setting up voting machines to answering voters’ logistical questions and collecting ballots, elections would not work without volunteer poll workers.
Service member and veteran participation in community affairs is a powerful antidote to division. It’s a reminder that regardless of who we are voting for, we are united by our shared commitment to the principles of freedom and self-governance.
We the Veterans and Military Families, a nonprofit organization mobilizing veterans for civic engagement, is spearheading a vital poll worker recruitment push ahead of the November election. In total, about 1 million temporary workers will be needed to staff polling locations across the country this November, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Having veterans and their family members perform those tasks lends credibility to the process and helps quash skepticism during a time when public trust in the government is low.
Our goal at We the Veterans was 100,000 recruits to serve as poll workers in their communities. As of this week, nearly 140,000 have joined the cause.
This initiative underscores the importance of ensuring our elections are fair, secure, and accessible to all Americans. By stepping up as poll workers, veterans and military families can once again answer the call to serve, this time on the homefront. Also, we know what happens if we do nothing: fewer polling sites, longer lines at open ones, and less democracy for everyone, and that’s unacceptable.
Our nation stands at a crossroads, and the strength of our democratically elected constitutional republic relies on the active participation of its citizens. Poll workers are essential to the integrity of our electoral process, providing crucial support to ensure every vote is counted accurately and every voter is treated with respect. Their presence at polling stations is a testament to the enduring spirit of civic duty that defines us as a people.
In times of division, it is easy to feel powerless, but the simple act of volunteering as a poll worker can have a profound impact. It is a way to bridge divides, foster understanding, and demonstrate that, despite our differences, we are all committed to the democratic ideals that bind us together.
Moreover, in the face of increasing political violence, it is imperative that we condemn such acts unequivocally. Violence has no place in our democratic process.
By serving as poll workers, we stand as guardians of peace and order, ensuring that every citizen can exercise their right to vote in a safe and respectful environment. Our presence at the polls is a powerful statement against violence and a testament to our commitment to resolving differences through dialogue and the democratic process.
For veterans, the call to serve as a poll worker is a natural extension of the oath we took to defend our Constitution. It is a tangible way to continue serving our country, ensuring that the democratic process we fought to protect remains strong and vibrant. For military families, it is an opportunity to support the democratic values that underpin the sacrifices of their loved ones.
At the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on Thursday in Canton, We the Veterans will partner with the National Football League and the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office to urge veterans, military families and our fellow Americans to become poll workers.
Let us honor our commitment to our country by ensuring that our elections are free, fair, and accessible. Together, we can increase patriotic participation here in Ohio and across America, and address a critical need this upcoming election season.
Joe Plenzler, who grew up in Toledo and went to Ohio State University, is a Marine Corps veteran. He served 20 years on active duty as an infantry officer and as a public affairs officer. He currently resides in Virginia.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Veterans group answering the call of duty at the polls
