The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for Aug. 1, 2024
Today’s Script
(Variations occur with audio due to editing for time. Today’s Links below the script)
You’re listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.
National Poll Worker Recruitment Day is Aug. 1st. The pool of roughly 800,000 poll workers nationwide is aging, and shortages have been reported in some areas. If you have been vocal about making sure our elections are free and fair, now’s your chance to protect them by becoming a trained poll worker.
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission spearheads Poll Worker Recruitment Day, helping states and municipalities get the word out about serving.
Poll workers skew older, with a median age of 64, and many at-risk volunteers retired during the pandemic. Others cited conspiracy theories by fringe election deniers, fueled by former President Donald Trump to seed doubt in the election process.
Typically, poll workers must be 18, registered voters, and live in their community. Training is usually conducted by county or state officials. Election duties can be “outside the rail”, meaning directing voters, verifying identity, and registering new voters, or “inside the rail” monitoring the election process, assisting voters, tabulating ballots, and running reports. Depending on your municipality, poll workers may volunteer or receive a stipend.
If you want to help protect your democracy, or perhaps you want to learn how secure our election process actually is, speak with your local election office about becoming a poll worker. Your community thanks you!
We have more on becoming a poll worker at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – 2024 National Poll Worker Recruitment Day
Stateline News – Wanted: Poll workers. Must love democracy
National Association of Counties – August 1, 2024 is National Poll Worker Recruitment Day
Pew Research – Key facts about U.S. poll workers
Brookings Institution (Commentary) – The Americans on the front lines of elections
USA Today – States are grappling with recruiting poll workers. This Nebraska county drafts them.
National Conference of State Legislatures – Election Poll Workers
Groups Taking Action:
Power the Polls, Vet the Vote
Check Your Voter Registration
- U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Register And Vote in Your State
- USA Vote Foundation – Registration, Eligibility, State Election Office Links
- Vote.Gov – Register to Vote in Your State
- Vote.Org – Check Your Registration to Vote
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