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Student Poll Worker Program
Student Poll Worker Program
Legislation in California allows eligible students to serve as poll workers. Participating students will serve in the operation of a poll site on Election Day or inspect vote by mail ballots on one of two Saturdays before the election.
Eligible students may be nominated by a teacher, must be at least 16 years of age at the time of the election, have a GPA of at least 2.5, and be a United States Citizen or lawful permanent resident. All volunteers must complete a form prior to training that requests their social security number, residential address, mailing address, and an earnings statement.
Educators:
- Inform your students of this unique opportunity to be involved with their government
- Nominate eligible students to serve as poll workers
- Follow up with your students about their experience
Students:
- Participate in a 2 ½ hour poll worker training class before working each election
- Serve on a 4 - 6 person team and participate in the operation of a polling place on election day.
Please note: Election Day can be a long one (6:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.) but it is a great experience! Ballot inspectors will serve on one of two Saturdays before the election extracting and inspecting vote by mail ballots. Same-day training is available.
Benefits:
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This opportunity will give students a "hands-on" experience, learning how local elections work
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Students will receive training on how to open and close a polling place and process voters
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It will inspire students to register and to vote when they turn 18 and give them a lifelong appreciation for the democratic process
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Students will play an active and important role in their community
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Students may choose to receive community service credit or a stipend of $110, in addition to a $25 stipend for attending training
- Election Code 12302; Education Code 48205(8).
- Depending on need, students may serve both Saturdays prior to Election Day.