More than 3,000 veterans and military family members have stepped up as volunteers to work the polls in Nevada this election. According to news from News3LV, the national campaign Vet the Vote has seen over 163,000 veterans join their ranks to aid in the electoral process, a number signifying commitment and an understanding of the grave importance of a participatory democracy.
In a demonstration held at the Leatherneck Club, veterans gathered to celebrate their ongoing dedication to the nation's democratic fabric. Nevada Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar espoused the value the veterans bring to the electoral process, saying, "Elections are an emotional time. People are passionate about the election and sometimes our poll workers take the brunt of it, but I think that this election cycle people recognize the importance of having poll workers who understand the fundamental right to vote and who have fought already for us to protect what we have here in America," in a statement obtained by News3LV. This sentiment is further reinforced by the University of Maryland's research suggesting that the involvement of veterans and military families as poll workers elevates public confidence in election integrity and safety.
Among these veterans is Nikkea Devida, an Air Force veteran volunteering in Las Vegas, who remains guided by her oath to defend the Constitution. "I raised my hand to uphold and defend the constitution against all enemies foreign or domestic, so help me God. I take that oath as seriously today as when I raised my hand as a 20-year-old," Devida told News3LV.
Similarly, Stefano Saltalamacchia, an Army veteran serving as a poll worker, remarked on the indispensable act of voting. "It’s not a spectator sport. Voting I feel like is the bare minimum," he said in an interview told to FOX5 Vegas. He expressed his desire to actively participate in the democratic process and later recount his involvement to future generations. Saltalamacchia also noted the ongoing call to service that persists beyond active duty, a sentiment echoed during the pep rally organized by Vet the Vote at the Leatherneck Club, as noted by FOX5 Vegas.
For interested individuals looking for more information or wishing to volunteer, the Vet the Vote campaign remains an avenue. Their initiative has successfully addressed a crucial need for poll workers during this election cycle, thus ensuring that democratic processes are upheld with honor and diligence, befitting the service these veterans and their family members have already rendered to their country.
