It may be the candidates, campaign workers and pundits who shine in the political spotlight during any election season. But it’s the hundreds of thousands of volunteers and local election staffers working hard behind the scenes to make it all happen who are the real unsung heroes.
Today is Election Hero Day – a day to recognize the extraordinary contributions of all the people who have raised their hands to deliver for democracy during this uniquely challenging election year. From volunteering in droves to fill the nation-wide poll worker shortage to quickly adapting election procedures to make sure everyone has a chance to cast their ballot safely, those who have stepped up to help ensure that this election season runs smoothly.
These heroes include many of Levi Strauss & Co.’s very own. “We knew that the pandemic was contributing to a nationwide shortage of poll workers, and we had employees ready and willing to volunteer,” Kelly McGinnis, chief communications officer, told the Wall Street Journal. “It was an obvious way that the company and our employees could offer help where it was needed.”
LaMetris Moore, an HR administrator in our distribution center in Henderson, Nevada, is volunteering as a poll worker with her two daughters this year. According to LaMetris, not even the 5 a.m. start time can dampen their enthusiasm for making this a family affair.
In Georgia, retail district manager Kristen Tupa has already begun volunteering as a poll worker for early voting – and she’s now planning to make it an election tradition.
“The first reason I volunteered was because, looking at what is going on in our world today, no matter what side of the political spectrum you are on, it was blaringly obvious that support was needed to ensure that polling stations could stay open safely,” she said. “Secondly, I volunteered for my children. I wanted to be an example to them of how we can give back to our community and support people using their voices for a democratic society.”
Alexis Bechtol, senior manager for Community Affairs, is taking advantage of the Election Day time that was freed up by the early voting options in California and using her paid time to volunteer as a poll worker. “Even before the pandemic, I knew I wanted to use my time wisely on November 3,” she said. “I’m encouraged by the number of new poll workers this year and am thrilled to stand alongside them in a meaningful and needed way.”
We salute those who will wake up early and work long hours to make sure that everyone can cast their ballot safely and all the votes are counted this election.
