To promote poll worker recruitment for the 2022 midterm elections, the U.S. Election Assistance Commission declared today "Help America Vote Day":
Help America Vote Day aims to address the nationwide shortage of poll workers resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, inspire greater civic engagement and volunteerism, and help ensure safe, secure, accessible, and transparent elections in 2022 and beyond.
EAC Chairman Thomas Hicks, Vice Chair Christy McCormick, Commissioner Ben Hovland, and Commissioner Donald Palmer issued the following joint statement:
"Since the signing of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) 20 years ago there have been numerous fundamental improvements in election administration across the county. HAVA also established the EAC, charging the agency to be a leader in the effort to modernize our voting systems and improve election administration and serve as a primary source of best practices and election information. Help America Vote Day will not only celebrate the anniversary of this historic legislation but will also shine a light on the invaluable role election officials and poll workers play in our election process. We are hopeful that Help America Vote Day will also raise awareness of the critical poll worker shortage facing our nation and encourage Americans to sign up to help voters cast their ballots during early voting and on Election Day. The EAC looks forward to continuing to support state and local election offices as they serve voters and ensure safe, secure, accessible, and accurate elections."
A recent survey by Rasmussen Reports found that:
Sixty-two percent (62%) of voters are concerned about the possibility of cheating in this year’s midterm elections, including 39% who are Very Concerned. Sixteen percent (16%) are Not Very Concerned about cheating in the November elections. . .
Majorities of every political category – 67% of Republicans, 53% of Democrats and 58% of unaffiliated voters – believe election integrity will be a Very Important issue in this year's congressional elections.
When it comes to ensuring election integrity, many people immediately think of volunteering as a poll watcher, drop box observer, etc. However, nonpartisan poll workers play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of elections at the most basic level.
Serving as a poll worker is a great way to get involved to ensure free and fair elections! https://t.co/QlbskTH7tN
— Lawyers Democracy (@lawyersdf) August 16, 2022
Poll workers are often the first line of defense against voter fraud, and they are needed for elections to run smoothly and efficiently.
"Freedom is something that we all must join together to preserve, protect, and defend." Ronald Reagan @Reagan_Library https://t.co/XauBJZNEh7
— Don Palmer (@VotingGuy) August 16, 2022
Visit HelpAmericaVote.gov to learn more about how you can help secure elections as a poll worker in your community!