Vet the VoteEvery election year America needs around one million volunteers to work at polls across 50 states and territories to arrive before dawn, gather in community centers, schools, and fire stations to set up election polling stations—a task that has become increasingly challenging, as seniors retire from this critical role.
To close the gap on the deficit of 130,000 election poll workers in 2022, a coalition of more than 38 veteran and civic groups, in partnership with sports giants like the National Football League, the NBA, and NASCAR, have spearheaded a nationwide recruitment campaign called Vet the Vote.
Veterans who have served in the U.S. military take an oath to support and defend the U.S.Constitution—and many consider that oath to remain in effect even after they remove the uniform.
In furtherance of that oath, the initiative has successfully recruited more than 163,000 military vets and family members to serve as poll workers, proving that service to country continues long after hanging up the uniform.
“The same spirit of teamwork that drives success in sports and military service is essential to our election system,” said Anil Nathan, Vet the Vote Co-Founder.
“Our veterans understand the importance of working together toward a common goal, and alongside these major sports leagues, we’ve created a powerful force for protecting and supporting our electoral process.”
The initiative highlights how the collaborative nature of sports mirrors both military service and election administration:
“This groundbreaking partnership demonstrates that when we join forces, we can achieve remarkable results,” said the group in a statement.
Veteran volunteers for polling shift – Vet the VoteWhen poll workers open the doors, they welcome voters, ensure they are eligible to vote, provide instructions and assistance, and count every ballot.
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“This election cycle, the need for veteran assistance at the polls is clear, so we are proud to join with other national leaders in sports to help fill this gap,” said Eric Nyquist, NASCAR’s Chief Impact Officer. “We are deeply grateful for these veterans and military families who have once again stepped up to answer their nation’s call in this critical capacity.”
“Sports have the capacity to unite our communities around the issues that bring us together,” said NBA President of Social Responsibility and Player Programs, Kathy Behrens. “We are proud to partner with Vet the Vote, empowering those who have served and strengthening our democracy.”
The 163,000+ election worker recruits have volunteered to serve in four out of five counties across America, ensuring at least one-in-five poll workers will be a veteran or military family member.
Vet the Vote is hosting five pep rallies today, Sunday, Nov 3rd, in Las Vegas, Detroit, Mesa, Arizona, Washington, DC, and Houston, to say thank you to the veteran and military family members who will be serving as poll workers this week.
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To volunteer with Vet The Vote and find opportunities to serve as a poll worker, visit their website.
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