Arizona opinion: Upholding democracy: Veterans leading the "Vet the Vote" campaign in Arizona

Every election cycle, over 100 government agencies across the state of Arizona work together to recruit and train thousands of poll workers and election officials. These members of our community dutifully learn how to set up and manage the thousands of voting locations across our diverse state, ensuring that elections are conducted according to our state’s rules and regulations. Yet, as we’ve witnessed, there is a growing shortage of poll workers and elections officials nationwide, including here in Arizona. This shortage poses a significant challenge to the operations of our elections, leading to fewer polling stations, longer wait times, and logistical inefficiencies.

In order to tackle this issue, Vet the Vote, a national civic initiative, is relaunching its public awareness and recruitment campaign in Arizona. The non-partisan “Vet the Vote” campaign aims to empower veterans and military family members to serve as the next generation of poll workers.

As a veteran who has proudly served our nation, I’ve come to understand the importance of duty, service, and the value of democracy. Now, I am honored to lead the non-partisan “Vet the Vote” campaign in Arizona in partnership with nearly 40 other veteran and military-serving organizations and civic groups.

In Arizona, poll workers play a critical role in ensuring elections are conducted fairly and transparently. From verifying voter identities to assisting with ballot distribution, adequate staffing is essential to ensuring that every eligible voter has the opportunity to cast their ballot. That’s why the “Vet the Vote” campaign is so vital in Arizona.

What makes veterans and military family members uniquely suited to the role of poll worker? It is not just their training or their experience; it is their unwavering commitment to duty, their respect for the rule of law, and their understanding of the sacrifices required to defend our freedoms. Now we have the opportunity to continue our service side-by-side with poll workers who have also answered the call to serve.

The success of past recruitment efforts in Arizona speaks to the dedication and commitment of our veterans and military family members. Over 2,300 signed up to serve as poll workers in 2022, inspiring confidence in the integrity of our elections and serving as a powerful reminder of the values for which we have fought so bravely.

But, our work is far from over. As we look to the future, I urge my fellow veterans and military family members to join me in this vital endeavor. Together, we can continue our service to our nation and serve alongside other poll workers who are our friends, neighbors, and community members. By volunteering as poll workers, we can ensure that every voice is heard, regardless of race, gender, or background.

If you’re a military veteran or family member interested in continuing your service as a poll worker, I invite you to join us. Sign up now at Vet the Vote to learn more about how you can get involved and continue to serve your community.

Together, let’s honor the sacrifices of our veterans and military families by protecting the rights and freedoms we hold dear and ensure that our democracy remains strong and vibrant for generations to come.