Michigan Secretary of State, Jocelyn Benson, recently addressed concerns about attrition among election officials and poll workers due to safety considerations amidst the ongoing pandemic. Benson acknowledged the demotivating impact of the cost-benefit analysis of safety measures on individuals seeking to fulfill their civic duty. She highlighted the significant turnover in the profession, particularly in states like Arizona and Nevada, where new election workers are stepping in to fill vacancies.
Despite the challenges posed by attrition, Benson expressed pride in the resilience and commitment of American citizens from all political affiliations who have volunteered to support the electoral process. She emphasized the critical role of election professionals in upholding the foundations of democracy, underscoring the importance of ensuring that elections are accessible, secure, accurate, and fair for all voters.
Benson noted that the increased scrutiny on election processes has led to greater transparency and dedication among election officials. She emphasized that the spotlight on their work has emboldened them to enhance the integrity of the electoral system, with a focus on improving security measures and promoting fairness in the upcoming election.
By embracing their responsibility and responding to the challenges posed by the current environment, election officials are committed to upholding the American promise of democracy. Benson's remarks underscored the collective effort to safeguard the electoral process and ensure that the upcoming elections are conducted with the highest standards of integrity and accessibility.
