(TheIndependentStar.com) – Stepping up to safeguard our elections and protect American democracy, over 163,000 veterans and military family members have been recruited to serve as poll workers across the United States.
The Vet the Vote initiative is a coalition of 43 advocacy groups and organizations that has partnered with major sponsors like NASCAR, the NFL and the NBA to recruit veterans for this vital role.
Although these American heroes have already proven their dedication to the nation, they are now being called upon to defend the democratic process on the home front.
Veterans are uniquely qualified for this critical task. Their military training has provided them with discipline, responsibility and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
As the initiative spokesperson Ellen Gustafson points out, “Our community makes for a good workforce.”
Happy Election Hero Day In a groundbreaking collab between 3 of America's most beloved pro sports leagues + the veteran & military family community, @VetTheVote has successfully recruited more than 163,000 VMF to serve as poll workers! @NBA + @NFL + @NASCAR + @TheNBPA 🇺🇸🎉 pic.twitter.com/YFFsx6s58E
— Vet the Vote (@vetthevote) November 4, 2024
The impact of having veterans as poll workers goes beyond their individual contributions.
A study by the University of Maryland found that having veterans and military family members at polling stations significantly increases voter confidence in the fairness, safety and accuracy of elections.
The study revealed that participants who were informed about veteran recruitment efforts were 7% more likely to trust accurate vote counting.
Even more striking, among those skeptical of Joe Biden’s 2020 election legitimacy, confidence increased by a whopping 15% after learning that veterans were now involved.
This initiative comes at a time when concerns about potential violence, threats and voter fraud have been on the rise.
However, the presence of veterans at polling stations has been shown to decrease these worries.
As Gustafson notes:
“Yeah, we sure are hearing about threats. There are people questioning the integrity of our elections, and that includes questioning the integrity of the poll workers who do the work. I think we are comfortable with the idea that sometimes situations are challenging and the first goal is to de-escalate.”
The Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough has praised veterans as qualified poll workers, recognizing their commitment to defending the Constitution.
This initiative not only strengthens our electoral process but also provides veterans with a renewed sense of purpose and civic engagement.
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