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John,
Once upon a time, poll workers did their jobs in obscurity, knowing their largely voluntary efforts were essential to providing one of the most necessary elements for democracy to thrive: a place to deliver one’s vote that is free, fair, and accessible. A poll worker’s thanks might be a cup of coffee, a smile, and an “I Voted” sticker.
Now, given the politicization of this inherently non-partisan task in the distorted conspiracy theories of the MAGA crowd, the work has become controversial and dangerous, and the simplest of thank yous may be replaced by death threats and doxing. When then-President Trump publicly accused two innocent poll workers by name of vote tampering, while showing a video of their routine processing of ballots, he literally put their lives in danger.
The result has been that election workers have quit in droves, further worsening the accessibility of polls in underserved areas where long waiting lines prove a major deterrent to voting. This is in accordance with the goals of anti-democratic politicians who aim to discourage voting by any means possible, not stopping at threats or intimidation.
Fortunately, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Dick Durbin have reintroduced the Election Worker Protection Act to improve the safety of state and local election officials, increase penalties for threatening election workers, and provide grants for safety improvements.
Click here to sign the petition and urge Congress to pass the Election Worker Protection Act today!
The Big Lie of 2020 has turned our polling places into political battlegrounds, and this cannot be permitted to continue. We must ensure that polls are safe places to work, in order to ensure the integrity of our elections themselves. We cannot allow threats of violence to continue to erode the democratic process at its very most basic moment: the moment where the ballot is marked.
We have to protect the safety of those volunteers and paid workers who make sure the polls are open. They are the unsung heroes of our democratic process and they must be able to perform their duties with confidence, putting voters at ease as well. Without poll workers, we would have no polls, and no means to practice our democracy.
Support poll workers! Sign the petition now!
Thank you for showing your support for the neighborhood heroes who turn out and ensure the basic workings of our democratic elections.
- Amanda
Amanda Ford, Director
Democracy for America
Advocacy Fund
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