Study: Veterans Serving as Poll Workers Boosts Public Confidence in Elections

The public's perception of election security is positively influenced by recruiting veterans and military family members as poll workers, according to a recent study conducted by the University of Maryland to reestablish trust in the election process. This study, conducted by the Center for Democracy and Civic Engagement in collaboration with the nonprofit organization We the Veterans, emphasizes the potential of military-affiliated volunteers to fortify voter confidence in the face of increasing skepticism and misinformation.

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The study surveyed 1,263 adults, providing them with two narratives regarding the recruitment of poll workers in Maricopa County, Arizona. Participants who read a narrative depicting veterans and military family members volunteering at the polls were 7% more inclined to believe that the voting process would be fair and accurate. 

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Confidence in the accuracy of votes increased by 15% among individuals who were previously uncertain about the legitimacy of President Biden's 2020 election, and concerns regarding election violence and fraud decreased substantially.

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Ben Keiser, co-founder of We the Veterans, stated, "This research corroborates our conviction that military families and veterans provide voters with an additional layer of security." He also noted that electors seeking assurance during the election process are drawn to the trusted service records of veterans.

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These findings are especially pertinent as the 2024 elections approach, according to Michael Hanmer, director of the Center for Democracy and Civic Engagement. "The electoral system continues to be a source of concern for many Americans." Recruiting veterans and military family members as poll workers can alleviate these concerns and cultivate a sense of security surrounding the voting process.

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