OMAHA, NEB. – Joe Ricceri is actively preparing for the upcoming general election in his role with the Douglas County Election Commission. Currently positioned at the customer service desk, Ricceri will transition to a district supervisor on Election Day.
Ricceri volunteers for the commission, though his involvement began by being drafted. Initially approached when his children were young, he deferred his service until they were old enough to transport themselves from school. “Then immediately, when the youngest was 16, [the county] contacted me. So, they were all over it. They did a good job there,” Ricceri commented with a laugh.
Recruiting poll workers poses a continual challenge for election officials. Nebraska addresses this by allowing counties to draft workers, similar to jury duty. According to the Secretary of State’s office, only Douglas County and Sarpy County are utilizing this draft mechanism for the current election cycle.
Douglas County informs eligible registered voters of their requirement to serve through letters. Though this practice has been ongoing for years, many recipients remain skeptical of its legitimacy. Douglas County Election Commissioner Brian Kruse noted the surprise many voters express upon receiving the draft letter, even recounting an instance involving a friend’s employee questioning the authenticity of the letter.
Once drafted, only those over 70, non-English speakers, or those who remove themselves from the voter rolls can be exempt from service. Not showing up or ignoring the draft letter could result in a misdemeanor charge.
The election staff in Douglas County is composed of approximately half volunteers and half drafted workers. Election Board Coordinator Brandon Olson emphasized the preference to secure as many volunteers as possible but acknowledged the draft provides a reliable staffing level assurance.
This system contrasts significantly with the national scenario, which still grapples with fluctuations in poll worker availability since the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Marta Hanson, national program manager for Power the Polls, noted that while some jurisdictions are fully staffed, about 40% continue to experience severe shortages.
Additionally, the draft has enabled a more varied workforce within the county, addressing the overrepresentation of individuals over 70 amongst election workers. Commissioner Kruse elaborated that the draft ensures a balanced representation of all political parties and nonpartisans.
Carolina Lopez, executive director of the Partnership for Large Election Jurisdictions, expressed keen interest in Douglas County’s strategy, noting its potential applicability to other election communities nationwide.
Douglas County remains the primary user of this draft system, partly due to its larger number of polling locations in comparison to other jurisdictions within Nebraska, which face fewer staffing challenges.
The draft not only helps meet staffing requirements but also educates a broader base of people about the election process. Many draftees, such as Ricceri, become long-term volunteers and advocates for the integrity of the electoral system. Voters like Kerri Harris, initially uncertain about the draft, found the experience illuminating and reaffirmed her trust in the county’s election integrity.
This year’s election is particularly significant for Nebraska, featuring packed ballots with initiatives on key issues and the requirement for voters to present IDs for the first time. The draftees and volunteers are prepared, having completed their required online training, though they might receive further communication about their necessity for this election cycle.
Photo Credit: Terry A. Ratzlaff for NPR
