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. Currently all employees, volunteers, and interns of the County of Monterey are required to show proof of vaccination or file for an exemption which will then be reviewed by Human Resources. We will provide more information on how to submit proof of vaccination or file for exemption in the coming weeks.

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.