The Republican National Committee (RNC) has announced a major milestone in its Protect the Vote initiative, with over 157,000 volunteers registered to ensure the integrity of the upcoming November elections. This figure significantly surpasses the RNC’s original goal of recruiting 100,000 poll workers and observers, reflecting a growing concern among party members about the transparency and fairness of the electoral process.
RNC Chairman Michael Whatley and co-chair Lara Trump have spearheaded the initiative, emphasizing the importance of having a robust presence at polling places nationwide. The Protect the Vote program aims to train volunteers to monitor voting procedures, work in tabulation centers where mail-in ballots are processed, and provide legal assistance to address any issues that arise on Election Day.
Lara Trump, speaking in June, outlined the RNC’s strategy to build a formidable “watchdog army” dedicated to election integrity. “Every single person in this country, regardless of how you vote, should want free and fair elections,” she stated. The initiative’s success in attracting volunteers underscores the widespread support for these efforts within the Republican Party.
Whatley, in a recent interview with Maria Bartiromo, highlighted the program’s progress, noting that with 87 days until the election, the RNC will continue to expand its volunteer base. The RNC has also launched a dedicated website—protectthevote.com—where individuals can sign up and receive state-specific training, ensuring that volunteers are fully prepared to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.