In an innovative move to address Nevada's poll worker shortage, Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar is inviting lawyers to volunteer during elections and promising continuing education credits in return. This effort aims to leverage the expertise of the legal community to ensure a smooth conduct of elections, especially in battleground states like Nevada, where every vote counts.
Addressing the shortage of poll workers
Nevada, like many states across the country, faces significant challenges recruiting poll workers, a situation made worse by the contentious political climate following the 2020 presidential election. Aguilar's strategy aims not only to fill staffing gaps, but also to hire people with a deep understanding of law and procedure, which is increasingly important in today's complex election environment. The effort mirrors efforts in other states that have used lawyers and law students to staff polling places.
Strengthen election security and integrity
The move came as part of Aguilar's broader efforts to protect election officials and maintain the integrity of the electoral process. After defeating Republican election deniers in the 2022 midterm elections, Aguilar has been a vocal advocate of creating a safer and more respectful atmosphere for election workers. A bill signed by Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo last year that makes it a felony to harass or intimidate election workers in Nevada underscores the state's commitment to protecting the democratic process.
Future challenges and opportunities
The initiative is promising, but success in Nevada, where the legal profession is concentrated in urban areas, could face hurdles in reaching rural counties in need of poll workers. But Aguilar remains optimistic and believes in the legal profession's dedication to democracy. This initiative will not only address the immediate need for poll workers, but will also strengthen the pipeline of knowledgeable talent who can work as full-time election workers in the future. As Nevada prepares for upcoming elections, its innovative approach to hiring poll workers could serve as a model for other states facing similar challenges.
