Senators Coons, Klobuchar introduce resolution honoring the contributions of election workers

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) announced plans today to introduce a resolution recognizing the contributions of America's election workers and highlighting the significance of their efforts in supporting the democratic process in the United States.

"Our democracy survives because of the commitment and hard work of election workers across the country who ensure the electoral process is fair, impartial, and transparent," said Senator Coons. "Despite facing disturbing and increasing threats online and in person, the nation's election workers continue to facilitate the smooth functioning of democracy and strengthen public trust in our local, state, and federal governments. Those who commit their time and energy to supporting democracy in the midst of a turbulent election season deserve the Senate's recognition and thanks."

"Our election workers are public servants working on the front lines of our democracy to make sure that every vote is counted," said Senator Klobuchar. "This resolution recognizes them for their tireless work administering our free and fair elections and their critical role in safeguarding our democratic process so that people can make their voices heard. I'll continue working to ensure election workers receive the support they need to safely do their jobs."

With only one day until Election Day, tens of millions of citizens in the United States have already voted by casting absentee ballots or voting early in person, and tens of millions more will go to their local polling places tomorrow to cast their ballots. Our democracy is sustained by election workers in more than 10,000 local election jurisdictions and by more than 630,000 poll workers.

The poll workers who staff the nation's more than 100,000 polling places are mostly over 60 years old. Many work long hours on Election Day on top of prior poll worker training. A poll worker's tasks can include checking voter IDs, updating voter information, distributing ballots, counting ballots, and assisting elderly and disabled citizens.

This resolution recognizes the need for, and gives appreciation to, America's election workers in a time of rampant disinformation and growing political division in America that too often includes attacks on the democratic process and virtual and physical threats to election workers. A nonpartisan survey by the Brennan Center for Law and Justice found that nearly 40% of election officials had been the target of threats or harassment, and one in four expressed fear their families would be targeted. Across the country, election workers have reported more than 2,000 threats, and the FBI has opened more than 100 investigations.

The text of the resolution is available here.