Election Officers

Student Poll Worker Program

 

 

Everything You Need to Know About democracyLIVE!

 

Recruitment for the democracyLIVE! program has begun, and applications may now be submitted for the November 2 Gubernatorial General Election.  We hope that anyone who wants to sign up does and takes advantage of this amazing opportunity to experience Election Day first-hand.

 

What is democracyLIVE!?

Who can join democracyLIVE!?

When does democracyLIVE! take place?

What are the benefits?

How do I apply to join democracyLIVE! ?

How do I know if the Elections Office received my application?

Do I have to attend a training class?

What if I can’t attend the training class I’m scheduled for?

How will I know where I’m working on Election Day?

How long will I have to work on Election Day?

What if I cannot work on Election Day?

How much will I get paid?

When will I get paid?

How do I reach the democracyLIVE! Coordinator?

 

---

What is democracyLIVE!?
democracyLIVE! is the San Mateo County Student Poll Worker program aimed at giving high school students an inside look at American democracy in action. Student Poll Workers are critical members of the Election Day team and provide support to Elections Staff, assist voters, and manage polling place operations.

 

Who can join democracyLIVE!?
In order to be a Student Poll Worker with democracyLIVE!, you must be at least 16 years old, a high school student with a minimum 2.5 GPA, a resident or student in San Mateo County, and a U.S. citizen. Both your parent/guardian and school must provide written permission for you to work at your designated polling location on Election Day.

 

When does democracyLIVE! take place?
We wil be recruiting democracyLIVE! participants from August through September and training will take place at schools throughout October 2010. Students will work on Election Day, November 2. If you would like to join democracyLIVE! and serve as a poll worker on Election Day, please adhere to the following deadlines:

 

Election	Deadline to Apply
November 2, 2010 Election	September 17, 2010

 

Poll workers work from 6 a.m. to approximately 9:30 p.m. on Election Day, and the polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. for voting.

 

What are the benefits?
Being a part of democracyLIVE! looks great on a resume or college application, and is a unique way to see American democracy at work. All Poll Workers get paid $25 for the training class, plus $100 for working on Election Day. In order to receive a paycheck, you must complete the required training class and work the entire Election Day shift.

 

How do I apply to join democracyLIVE! ?
You may download the democracyLIVE! application on this website or pick one up at your school.

 

Here’s what to do:

 

1. Fill out the democracyLIVE! application
2. Get your parent/guardian’s permission (on application)
3. Get your teachers’ permission (on application)
4. Don't forget to get your photo release signed
5. Fill out W-4 IRS Information Form
6. Give your application to your School Coordinator

We strongly encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

 

How do I know if the Elections Office received my application?
If your application is approved, you will receive an email from the democracyLIVE! Coordinator confirming the date and time of your training class. If you have not received a confirmation email within one week of submitting your application, please contact the democracyLIVE! Coordinator at democracylive@smcare.org.

 

Do I have to attend a training class?
Yes. All Student Poll Workers are required to attend a two hour training class.  The class will take place at your school in October.  We will send you an email to let you know when your training class will be.

 

What if I can’t attend the training class I’m scheduled for?
If you cannot attend your scheduled training class, please contact the democracyLIVE! Coordinator and we can place you in a class that works better for you. If you cannot attend your scheduled class, you must contact us via phone or email to cancel at least 24 hours before the beginning of the class, or you will be dismissed from the program.

 

How will I know where I’m working on Election Day?
You will receive an Assignment Letter from us in October, which will confirm where you will be working. We try to assign you as close to your home as possible. The earlier you fill out in your application, the more likely it is you’ll be placed in your preferred area.

 

How long will I have to work on Election Day?
Election Day is long – you start at 6 a.m. and finish at approximately 9:30 p.m. All poll workers are given two one-hour breaks throughout the day. You must complete the entire 6 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. shift in order to get paid.

 

What if I can’t work on Election Day?
If you have to cancel your work on Election Day, you must contact us immediately.

 

How much will I get paid?
All Poll Workers get paid $25 for the training class and $100 for working on Election Day. In order to receive a paycheck, you must complete the required training class and work the entire Election Day shift.

 

How do I reach the democracyLIVE! Coordinator?
If you have any questions regarding this program, please feel free to contact the democracyLIVE! Coordinator by email.