May is Military Appreciation Month, a time to honor the service and sacrifices of those who have worn the uniform. As we celebrate their dedication to our country, we must also recognize the continued contributions of veterans and military families beyond their time in active duty. One ever-present contribution from this community is their service as election workers, or poll workers, a role that upholds the very democracy they risked their lives to defend.

Each election season, the true heroes of our democratic process emerge — not only the voters who cast their ballots and election officials who manage elections year-round, but also the hundreds of thousands of people who staff voting locations nationwide. Among these volunteers are veterans and military families, stepping up to serve again in a new and crucial way. At the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC), we’re proud to recognize and honor their efforts.

Vet the Vote — a national campaign to recruit veterans and military family members to become the next generation of poll workers — reported that heading into the 2024 general election, over 163,000 veterans and military family members signed up through Vet the Vote to serve as poll workers. Once again, they answered the call to service ensuring our elections were safe, secure, accurate and accessible. These signups represented four out of every five zip codes in the United States, making up close to 16% of all poll workers in the country.

By signing up as poll workers, these men and women who once defended our nation continue to uphold the democratic values they fought for facilitating the right to vote of every citizen and ensuring all eligible ballots are counted. As a veteran and chairman of the EAC, I know firsthand the critical role of service members at every level of election administration. Their presence in voting locations across the country underscores their enduring commitment to protecting the foundations of our democracy.

Poll workers are the unsung heroes of our electoral process; from welcoming voters at a polling place to supporting the tallying and certification process with state and local election officials. They also help voters navigate the voting process, check registration, issue ballots, and ensure voting machines are working correctly.

Recruiting poll workers historically has been difficult in many communities, and veterans and service members have stepped up to fill this essential role with the same dedication and leadership that marked their military service.

Veterans and service members bring unique skills to this role. Their military experience — rooted in discipline, leadership and adaptability — equips them to manage the complexities and pressures of Election Day. These qualities are indispensable in an environment where maintaining security, efficiency and a calm demeanor are crucial. In addition, public trust of veterans is overwhelmingly positive, helping their involvement in elections underscore the integrity of the process to the public.

During the 2022 elections, more than 63,500 veterans and military family members signed up to serve as poll workers. This past general election year, veteran groups worked to reach a goal of recruiting 100,000 people to serve as poll workers in their communities. When voters visited the polls to cast their ballots last November, at least one out of every 10 election workers they saw were veterans or family members of veterans.

Veterans’ service as poll workers strengthens not only election administration but also public trust in the results. A remarkable 80% of veteran poll workers reported that their participation deepened their belief in the fairness and security of American elections. It is important to continue efforts to recruit, train and engage with the veteran community, who bring invaluable skills and experience to the job of poll working. Their participation is critical to the resilience and security of our election system, especially during the rest of 2025 and beyond. Recognizing their contributions during Military Appreciation Month reinforces the importance of integrating veterans into every aspect of civic life, including election administration.

As we approach future election cycles, the involvement of veterans and military families will be vital to overcoming poll worker recruitment challenges. For veterans, this is more than just a civic duty — it is an opportunity to continue their lifelong commitment to protecting democracy. The call to serve hasn’t ended, and there is no greater act of patriotism than ensuring that the right to vote remains secure for all Americans. During Military Appreciation Month, let’s not only thank our veterans for their service but also continue encouraging them to take part in shaping the future of our democracy.

By signing up as poll workers, veterans will continue playing a crucial role in safeguarding our democratic institutions, just as they once defended our freedoms in uniform. Their service reminds us all of the enduring importance of civic responsibility and the need for every citizen to take part in preserving the integrity of our elections. With their help, we can ensure that the principles of democracy endure for generations to come.

Donald Palmer is chairman of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.