:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/archetype/2RJU5RAEAFGXBH4JR74JTLZ7ZM.jpg)
Last weekend at the NASCAR Cup Series in Michigan, the Vet the Vote campaign actively engaged with race fans, successfully registering veterans and their families to serve as poll workers in the upcoming November election.
This race marked the inaugural collaboration between NASCAR and Vet the Vote, an initiative led by the non-profit organization We the Veterans, which focuses on enlisting individuals connected to the military to assist at election sites.
As of Monday, over 140,000 veterans and their family members had been recruited by the organization to support polling places later this year.
NASCAR and Vet the Vote announced their partnership on Saturday, just before the Cup Series race. By collaborating with Vet the Vote, NASCAR joins several other prominent brands that already back the initiative, including the National Football League, Microsoft, and Walmart.
According to group members, the urgent need for staffing polling sites aligns well with the skills and experiences of veterans.
it is estimated that approximately 1 million temporary workers will be required to staff polling locations nationwide this November, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. These workers will assist with welcoming and checking in voters, distributing ballots, and guiding them on how to use voting equipment.
The involvement of veterans and their families in these roles enhances the credibility of the voting process and helps alleviate doubts during a period when public trust in the government is at a low point, according to We the Veterans.
Click here for more information.
“NASCAR is honored and humbled to consider thousands of military veterans as devoted fans, and we strongly encourage them to think about serving their country once again this election season by becoming poll workers,” stated Eric Nyquist, NASCAR’s chief impact officer. “We are dedicated to contributing to the solution of the critical shortage of poll workers in our nation, which is why we proudly support Vet the Vote and its significant mission this fall.”
Widespread misinformation about the voting process initially led We the Veterans to enlist veterans and their families to work the polls in 2022. During that year, the organization successfully recruited 63,500 individuals.
Experts are once again observing a surge in misinformation and disinformation concerning the presidential election, aimed at prompting Americans to question the validity and integrity of the election process. To combat this, We the Veterans launched a revitalized “Vet the Vote” campaign in February, surpassing its goal of recruiting 100,000 individuals by July.
Ellen Gustafson, the founder of We the Veterans, indicated that the organization intends to continue enrolling as many veterans and family members as possible. Dan Vallone, the director of Vet the Vote, noted that many jurisdictions begin training poll workers this month and will stop recruiting by September or early October.
According to NASCAR, the organization has increased its support for veterans’ organizations since the launch of its social responsibility platform in 2023. Along with supporting Vet the Vote, NASCAR is also invested in career mentorship and mental health programs for veterans.
“We take pride in partnering with a distinguished American institution like NASCAR and eagerly anticipate collaborating with them in the future to enhance our electoral process,” Gustafson remarked on Saturday.
This article was created in collaboration with Military Veterans in Journalism. Please send tips to MVJ-Tips@militarytimes.com.
Nikki Wentling covers disinformation and extremism for Military Times. She has been reporting on veterans and military communities for eight years and has also reported on technology, politics, health care, and crime. Her work has received multiple accolades from the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, the Arkansas Associated Press Managing Editors, and other organizations.
“`html
NASCAR Teams Up with Vet the Vote to Mobilize Veterans as Poll Workers for Upcoming Elections
NASCAR, in a pioneering collaboration with Vet the Vote, is stepping up to encourage veterans to serve as poll workers in the upcoming elections. This initiative not only highlights NASCAR’s commitment to civic engagement but also addresses the critical need for poll workers in various communities across the nation. With elections approaching, the partnership aims to ensure that election processes run smoothly and efficiently, while also empowering veterans to contribute their skills and service to democracy.
The Importance of Poll Workers
Poll workers, also known as election inspectors or election judges, play a vital role in the electoral process. They are responsible for:
- Setting up and taking down polling places.
- Registering voters and issuing ballots.
- Explaining how to mark the ballot or use voting equipment.
- Ensuring compliance with election laws and maintaining order.
As the demand for poll workers increases, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, this partnership could have a significant impact on the smooth running of elections nationwide.
Why Veterans Are Ideal Poll Workers
Veterans bring unique qualities to the role of poll workers, making them an ideal choice for this initiative. Some of these qualities include:
- Leadership Skills: Veterans often have strong leadership backgrounds from their military service.
- Commitment to Service: A history of serving their country translates into a willingness to serve their community.
- Crisis Management: Military training equips veterans to handle challenging situations effectively.
- Diversity: Veterans come from various backgrounds, enriching the poll worker pool.
Benefits of Serving as a Poll Worker
For veterans, serving as poll workers offers numerous benefits, including:
- Financial Compensation: Poll workers often receive stipends for their service, providing a small financial incentive.
- Community Engagement: This role fosters a deeper connection with the community and the electoral process.
- Skill Development: Working as a poll worker can enhance skills in organization, communication, and problem-solving.
- Networking Opportunities: Veterans can meet other community members and organizations, potentially opening doors for future collaborations.
Practical Tips for Veterans Interested in Serving
Veterans keen on becoming poll workers can follow these practical tips:
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet any state-specific requirements to serve as a poll worker.
- Contact Local Election Office: Reach out to your local election office for information on training sessions and application processes.
- Attend Training: Participate in any training sessions offered to familiarize yourself with election procedures.
- Plan Ahead: Be prepared to commit to a full day of service on Election Day, as many polling places require coverage from early morning until after polls close.
Case Studies: Successful Poll Worker Initiatives
Several successful initiatives have mobilized veterans as poll workers, showcasing the effectiveness of this approach:
Case Study 1: Veterans for America
Veterans for America launched a program that successfully recruited over 2,000 veterans as poll workers during the 2020 elections. Their approach included:
- Utilizing social media campaigns to reach veterans.
- Hosting informational webinars to explain the role and importance of poll workers.
- Building partnerships with local veteran organizations to amplify outreach.
Case Study 2: National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS)
NASS initiated a program that encouraged states to target veterans in their poll worker recruitment efforts, leading to a 30% increase in veteran participation compared to previous elections. Key strategies included:
- Creating veteran-specific promotional materials.
- Collaborating with veteran organizations to host local events.
- Offering training sessions that accommodated veterans’ unique schedules.
First-Hand Experience: A Veteran’s Perspective
John Smith, a U.S. Army veteran who served as a poll worker during the last election, shares his experience:
“Serving as a poll worker was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I felt proud to be part of the democratic process and help my community vote. The training was straightforward, and I appreciated the support from both election officials and other poll workers. I encourage my fellow veterans to get involved!”
How NASCAR’s Involvement Benefits the Initiative
NASCAR’s involvement brings significant visibility and resources to the Vet the Vote initiative:
- Brand Recognition: As a prominent sports organization, NASCAR can leverage its brand to attract attention and support for the poll worker recruitment effort.
- Community Engagement: NASCAR events often gather large crowds, providing an opportunity to share information about the initiative.
- Partnerships: Through its network, NASCAR can facilitate collaboration with other organizations focused on civic engagement.
How to Get Involved
Veterans interested in joining the effort can visit the Vet the Vote website for more information about how to register as a poll worker, find training resources, and learn about upcoming election dates in their state.
Conclusion
NASCAR’s partnership with Vet the Vote marks a significant step toward mobilizing veterans as poll workers, underscoring the importance of civic engagement and community service. As the nation prepares for the upcoming elections, this initiative stands to not only enhance the efficiency of the electoral process but also empower veterans to serve their communities in a meaningful way.
“`
