Student Election Officer Program - Registrar of Voters (DEP)

Student Election Officer Holding Flag

Since 1997, the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters Office has coordinated and administered a highly successful Student Election Officer Program that gives qualified high school students the opportunity to learn about and participate in this essential component of our democratic process. The opportunity to serve as a Student Election Officer on Election Day is an invaluable, real life experience that will bring awareness to young Americans regarding the importance of voting as well as help to lay the groundwork for a lifetime of civic involvement and responsibility.

REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION

At least 16 years of age at the time of the Election
Grade point average of 2.5 or higher
Permission from the School Coordinator/Principal
Permission from Parent/Guardian
Complete Election Officer training class
Participate in Election eve setup
Work full or half day on Election Day

BENEFITS TO STUDENTS

Earn a stipend of up to $130.00 for full day, up to $82.50 for half day
Earn community service credits
Learn about the Election process first hand
Learn about the importance of voting and civic involvement in your own community
Great addition to resume for college admissions and employers
Valuable job experience that involves cooperation, organization, decision making and customer service skills
Valuable intergenerational experience

HOW TO APPLY

Download and complete (print clearly) the application located at the bottom of this page. Written permission from your school and a parent or guardian is mandatory. If you would like community service credits in lieu of a stipend (see below for description), please notate on the application.

Fax application to: Student Election Officer Coordinator at 408.282.3115, or send e-copy to high.school@rov.sccgov.org

Program is conducted on a first come-first served basis. Positions are limited so apply early!

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I APPLY?

Once your application is approved, we will create a Student Election Officer file and assign that file to the Election Specialist who handles placement in the area where you live. The Election Specialist will contact you regarding a training class, and provide you with an Election Day assignment at a polling place. You will also receive an “Official Notice of Appointment” letter in the mail that will have all of the details of your training and assignment, including the name and phone number of your Election Specialist, and Precinct Inspector (Election Day supervisor). Please hold onto your “Notice of Appointment” letter, as you will need that information.

TRAINING

To participate as a Student Election Officer, you must complete a training class before Election Day. The training class will give you all the knowledge you need to effectively perform your Election Day duties. We offer classes at many different locations and times throughout the County. Classes will be arranged by your Election Specialist. In addition, some classes may be held at the school.

BEFORE THE ELECTION

Call your Precinct Inspector (contact information located on the Notice of Appointment letter) one week before Election Day to introduce yourself and verify your appointment. The Precinct Inspector will have information regarding the Election eve setup of the precinct (polling place). Arrange transportation and directions to the precinct before Election Day.

ELECTION DAY

If you are working a full day, or half day AM shift, report to the precinct at 6 a.m. If you are working a half day PM shift, report at 2 p.m. Please make sure to sign the Payroll form when you arrive to confirm your attendance. Students join a "board" that includes a Precinct Inspector (Election Day supervisor) and several adult Clerks. The board members work together to setup the precinct, process and assist the voters and close the precinct. Setup of the polling place occurs prior to 7 a.m., when the polling place opens for voting. The polling place closes at 8 p.m., and when the last person has voted, the closing procedures begin.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES IN THE POLLING PLACE

The use of personal cell phones or any other personal electronic devices for any reason in the polling place is strictly forbidden. You are welcome to use any device outside the polling place during your breaks.

BREAKS

Full day students are given 15 minute breaks throughout the day, along with an hour lunch break and a half hour dinner break. The Precinct Inspector will schedule the breaks so that there is always adequate staffing to handle voters. Although some precincts may have snacks, you should bring food and drinks for the day, or arrange to find food outside the precinct.

DRESS AND DEMEANOR

Dress appropriately and maintain personal hygiene. Wear layered clothing, as temperature conditions will vary during the day. You are representing your school, so clothing that identifies your school is encouraged. You are also representing the County as a non partisan Student Election Officer. Therefore, conversations about political party activities or philosophies, observations about voting activities of individuals or groups, or any dialogue which is political in nature are not permitted within the polling place. Treat everyone with respect and dignity.

CANCELLATIONS

If you are not able to meet your responsibilities as a Student Election Officer, for any reason, please contact our office and your Precinct Inspector as soon as possible. There are a limited number of placements in many areas, and your prompt notification may provide an opportunity for another student to participate.

COMMUNITY SERVICE CREDITS OR STIPEND

As a volunteer Student Election Officer, you have the option of receiving community service credits or a stipend for your participation in the program. A letter detailing earned community service credits will be provided to your school after the Election. The stipend includes $95.00 for the full Election Day, and $47.50 for a half day. Students are also paid $20.00 for completing the training and $10.00 for Election eve (Monday night) setup of the polling place. Bilingual Spanish, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Cantonese, or Tagalog Students may be paid an additional $5.00. Stipends will be sent to the mailing address provided in your application, and will arrive approximately one month after Election Day.

ATTENDANCE

We maintain rigorous attendance records for every Student Election Officer and furnish schools with a post election attendance list to monitor and verify participation.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PROGRAM?

Please call 408.282.3091 or email high.school@rov.sccgov.org