I’m reaching out because you have indicated you share our commitment to preventing democracy from declining into authoritarianism. Today is National Poll Worker Recruitment Day, and it’s time for all-hands-on-deck.
I’ll be blunt: our mission has never been more urgent. Across the country, there’s a massive shortage of poll workers. That’s a big deal for our democracy, because if there aren’t enough people to work the polls on Election Day, we’re more likely to see long lines and polling place reductions. This will make it harder for people to vote.
To ensure a free and fair election, we need to make it easier, not harder to vote.
That's why Protect Democracy is teaming up with Power the Polls: to fill the massive poll worker gap before it’s too late. In the past, hundreds of thousands of retirees have stepped up to work the polls. This year, many regular poll workers are deciding not to participate due to concerns about transmitting COVID-19.
But for those of us who are less vulnerable, it means it's time to step up. The election administrators I’ve spoken with are doing everything they can to mitigate the risk, from providing PPE to creating ample space for social distancing.
Nothing is risk-free these days. But I decided to become a poll worker because I believe that the biggest risk to our collective future is the further erosion of our democracy. It feels empowering to do my part to ensure a free and fair election.
The good news is that there's still time to sign up. If enough of us take action, no polling place will be shut down due to inadequate staffing, and everyone will have the chance to vote as safely as possible. Together, we can make sure there are enough poll workers to staff polling places nationwide.
