SENATE RESOLUTION 61

(By Senators Weld, Plymale, and Rucker)

[Introduced February 29, 2024]

Encouraging military veterans across the State of West Virginia to volunteer as election workers in the 2024 statewide elections.

Whereas, There are 1,680 voting precincts in West Virginia with each one requiring at least five poll workers, meaning that more than 8,400 poll workers are required in order to conduct each statewide election; and

Whereas, Poll workers play a critical role in our elections while witnessing firsthand the truest form of American democracy in action; and

Whereas, Military veterans have tremendous experience in two key areas that would help ensure the proper administration of our elections: following proper procedures and maintaining order; and

Whereas, Veterans also possess strong organizational and teamwork skills that are essential in carrying out a successful election; and

Whereas, By serving as poll workers, veterans would play a crucial role on election day by opening the polls, checking in voters, answering questions, issuing ballots, maintaining the chain of custody of ballots, and reconciling the number of voters checked in with the number of ballots cast at their location; and

Whereas, Many military veterans have already assisted in overseeing successful elections while deployed in places such as Iraq and Afghanistan; and

Whereas, Veteran participation at the polls will help continue our citizens’ strong sense of confidence in our electoral process; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the West Virginia Senate encourages military veterans across the State of West Virginia to volunteer as election workers in the 2024 statewide elections; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the West Virginia Senate strongly encourages miliary veterans across the State of West Virginia to volunteer as election workers in the 2024 statewide elections to ensure the proper administration of the 2024 statewide elections; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the West Virginia Secretary of State, the West Virginia Association of County Clerks, and the West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance.