NASS and NASED Recruit ABA Members as Poll Workers Ahead of General Election

For Immediate Release 
August 27, 2026 

Washington, D.C. — The National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) and the National Association of State Election Directors (NASED) are once again partnering with the American Bar Association (ABA) to encourage attorneys, law students and other legal professionals to serve as poll workers for the November 2026 General Election. 

The renewed effort continues the organizations’ Poll Worker, Esq. initiative, first launched in 2020, to encourage legal professionals to support election administration by serving as trained poll workers. 

“America’s elections depend on dedicated citizens who are willing to serve their communities, and poll workers are at the heart of that effort,” said Steve Hobbs, NASS President and Washington Secretary of State. “We appreciate the ABA’s continued partnership in encouraging its members to help ensure every voter has a smooth, secure and positive voting experience.” 

Through Poll Worker, Esq., attorneys from every practice area—not just election law—are encouraged to serve as poll workers. In some jurisdictions, poll worker training and service may qualify for Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit. 

“Poll workers are essential to the success of every election, serving on the front lines, assisting voters, and helping ensure that election procedures are carried out accurately and fairly,” said Mark Goins, NASED President and Tennessee Coordinator of Elections. “As an attorney myself, I am pleased to see members of the legal profession step forward to serve their communities through the Poll Worker, Esq. initiative.” 

“Elections are at the heart of any democracy,” ABA President Barbara J. Howard said. “And they must run smoothly and effectively for people to have confidence in the process. Election Day in America takes large numbers of civically engaged people dedicated to administering free and fair elections. Lawyers are an ideal group to volunteer as poll workers. They are civic leaders, explain rules and facilitate interactions with election administrators. Poll Worker, Esq. can help lawyers get involved and play a meaningful role in supporting our electoral process.” 

Because poll workers are recruited locally, interested attorneys and law students should contact their local election office or visit CanIVote.org, which features a “Become a Poll Worker” page. Follow #PollWorkerEsq on social media for updates.

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NASS Media Contact: 
John Milhofer, Director of Research and Public Affairs 
jmilhofer@nass.org | 202-624-3528 | www.nass.org 

NASED Media Contact: 
Amy Cohen, Executive Director 
acohen@nased.org | 240-801-6029 | www.nased.org