Arizona Veterans Can Shape the Future of Elections as Poll Workers
Across Arizona, veterans and military families continue serving long after they leave the military. Whether through volunteering, mentoring, community leadership, or civic engagement, their commitment to service remains a defining part of who they are.
That belief inspired Civics in Action: Excellence in Elections, a nonpartisan program co-hosted by West Valley Women Veterans and Vet the Vote. The event brought together veterans, military families, election leaders, and community partners to demonstrate how serving in Arizona elections is another meaningful way to continue serving our communities.
As Arizona prepares for future elections, recruiting dedicated poll workers is essential to ensuring every eligible voter can cast a ballot in a safe, secure, accurate, and accessible election. Veterans possess the leadership, integrity, and commitment to public service that make them uniquely qualified to serve in election administration.
Arizona Secretary of State Kicks Off National Poll Worker Recruitment Month
The event also marked the kickoff of Poll Worker Recruitment Month with a special video message from Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, encouraging veterans and military families to continue their legacy of service by becoming poll workers and supporting Arizona's elections.
Watch Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes' video:
Civics in Action: Excellence in Elections Program
The program featured brief opening remarks from Aaron Thacker, Arizona State Lead for Vet the Vote, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Jessica Roza, Founder of West Valley Women Veterans, with three distinguished leaders in Arizona election administration:
Dana Lewis, Pinal County Recorder and U.S. Air Force veteran
Lisa Marra, Arizona State Election Director
Christine Dyster, Maricopa County Deputy Director of Elections
Together, they provided a behind-the-scenes look at how Arizona elections are administered and the extensive planning, preparation, and collaboration required before every election. Panelists discussed how counties recruit and train poll workers, the safeguards in place to protect ballots, the responsibilities of election officials on Election Day, and the many opportunities available for veterans and military families to become involved in election administration.
Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions directly to election leaders, gain a better understanding of how elections are conducted, and connect with organizations committed to strengthening civic engagement across Arizona. The event created an open dialogue that encouraged learning, built trust, and inspired many attendees to consider serving as poll workers in future elections!
A special thank you to the Office of Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, Dana Lewis, Lisa Marra, Christine Dyster for sharing your expertise and helping inspire the next generation of Arizona poll workers. We are also grateful to our co-host, Vet the Vote, VFW Post 1433, and everyone who attended and participated in this important conversation about civic engagement and election administration.
We hope Civics in Action inspired attendees to discover a new way to serve your community because the opportunity to serve doesn't end when military service does. It simply takes on new forms!
Why Veterans Make Excellent Poll Workers
Every Election Day, Arizona poll workers are the face of the election process. They welcome voters, verify voter eligibility, issue ballots, answer questions, operate voting equipment, assist voters with disabilities, and help ensure polling places run smoothly from opening until closing. Their professionalism and commitment help protect every eligible voter's right to participate in the democratic process while ensuring elections are administered fairly, securely, and transparently.
It is no surprise, then, that one of the strongest messages throughout the discussion was that veterans are uniquely qualified for election service. Military service develops leadership, integrity, accountability, adaptability, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Veterans are trained to follow detailed procedures, make sound decisions, communicate effectively, and complete every mission with professionalism. These are the same qualities that election officials depend on to ensure polling places operate efficiently and that every voter is treated with fairness, respect, and impartiality.
For many veterans, serving as a poll worker is a natural continuation of their commitment to public service. It provides an opportunity to continue protecting the freedoms they swore to defend, strengthen public confidence in Arizona's elections, and support one of the cornerstones of our democracy.
Military spouses and family members also bring valuable experience, resilience, and a deep commitment to service. Together, veterans and military families represent one of Arizona's greatest resources for recruiting skilled, dependable election workers who help ensure every election is safe, secure, accurate, and accessible for all voters.
Continuing the Mission
West Valley Women Veterans is proud to serve as a Coalition Partner with Vet the Vote, encouraging veterans and military families to continue serving through civic engagement. While our mission is centered on supporting women veterans, we believe strengthening our communities is a shared responsibility, and veterans of every branch, generation, and background have valuable leadership to offer!
If you're ready for your next mission, visit Vet the Vote to learn more about becoming a poll worker or election official in your community. You can also contact your local county elections office for information about training and upcoming election opportunities.
Military service is a lifelong commitment to serving others. Whether through volunteering, mentoring, community leadership, or becoming an Arizona poll worker, there are countless ways to continue making a difference.
