Four Days That Reaffirmed My Faith in Democracy

For four days during the June 2, 2026, primary election, I traded one form of service for another. I spent my Army career protecting America democracy and watching other countries lose theirs.  I spent those four days at a folding table, name tag on, “I VOTED” sticker proudly displayed, helping my fellow citizen cast their ballots.

It was, in a word, heartwarming.

I have supported and publicized the Vet The Vote program, which encourages veterans to serve as poll workers, for the past three years.  This year I finally just blocked time to be part of this important role.

Here’s what I didn’t fully appreciate until I lived it: this process is secure, and it’s run by real people who care. I learned firsthand how check-in works, how ballots are handled, and the genuine safeguards built into every step. If you’ve ever wondered whether the system can be trusted, I’d gently suggest spending four days behind a table at one of your community voting centers. It’s the best civics lesson money can’t buy.

But the real magic was the team. I served alongside three first-time high school students, sharp, eager, and a little nervous in the best way, regular citizens like myself, another Army veteran, and dedicated Los Angeles County staff. Watching teenagers help senior citizens, neighbors greet neighbors, and ordinary Americans quietly exercise their right to vote? That’s the country at its finest. No drama. No headlines. Just democracy doing its unglamorous, essential work.

So, here’s my one piece of advice, and I mean it sincerely: everyone should serve as a poll worker at least once. You’ll learn how it really works. You’ll meet people you’d never otherwise meet. And you’ll walk away reminded that this whole grand experiment depends on regular folks showing up.

I showed up. Your turn.

— Robert