MUNCIE, Ind. — In 2022, Secretary of State Diego Morales created the “Hoosier Hall Pass Initiative.” This program calls on high school students to work polling sites to help ease the shortage of poll workers.
However, with the shortage continuing this year, Secretary Morales is now calling on fellow Hoosier veterans for help. Morales encourages all eligible Hoosiers to work the polls, but he feels his veteran background lends skills that are especially applicable to poll workers.
“They bring discipline and attention to detail that we need at the polls,” Morales said.
According to a 2024 NPR survey, 58% of Americans are concerned about voter fraud. Morales feels that veteran poll workers can help ensure credibility. Not only that, but they’d also act as a symbol of patriotism.
“I believe that veterans bring this unique expertise, if you will,” Morales said. “Also, when you see them at the polls, and you know, some of them perhaps wear their veteran hat - that brings a sense of patriotism. If you go to the polls and see a veteran working, it can bring some credibility.”
Outside of this initiative, veterans can get involved in their communities in various ways. Working the polls is just one unique and simple way to make an impact.
“We are making a call to action for our veterans to get involved in our election process by becoming poll workers,” Morales expressed. “We need them and want them to be our poll workers. We can use the help.”
Morales and his team hope this outreach will increase voter turnout at the polls this year and build a community for all.
Contact Amelia Winter with comments at amelia.winter@bsu.edu.
