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:

• This opportunity will give students a "hands-on" experience, learning how local elections work

• Students will receive training on how to open and close a polling place and process voters

• It will inspire students to register and to vote when they turn 18 and give them a lifelong appreciation for the democratic process

• Students will play an active and important role in their community

• Students may choose to receive community service credit or a stipend of $110, in addition to a $25 stipend for attending training

Student Pollworker Application (PDF)

1 Election Code 12302; Education Code 48205(8).
2 Depending on need, students may serve both Saturdays prior to Election Day.