Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Contrary to previous research and press accounts, we find limited evidence that persons who worked the polls in the past, including the 2020 election, are reticent to work in future elections. Our explanation focuses on the motivation and affect persons need to have to work the polls. Persons who believe their work at the polls is consequential for their community and who feel their work is valued, respected, and well-supported are highly motivated to work the polls in future elections. Conflict at the polls with voters and poll watchers, aspects of poll worker training, and collaborations with other poll workers have no appreciable impact on the willingness to work the polls. Only the magnitude and diversity of problems poll workers observed voters had casting their ballots are significant deterrents to working the polls. Our findings identify efficacious steps that local election officials can take to recruit and retain persons to work the polls in future elections.
Institutions: Rice University, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Texas Tech University, Fairfield University, Florida State University, California State University, Fresno, Suffolk University, University of Virginia, Citadel, University of Missouri–St. Louis, University of Wisconsin System, Northeastern University, Washington University in St. Louis, Michigan State University, George Mason University
Language: English
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4404136128