Everything You Need to Know About democracyLIVE!
Recruitment for the democracyLIVE! program has begun, and applications may now be submitted for the November 4 Presidential 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. (back to top)
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. (back to top)
College Students: In order to be a Poll Worker, you must be a U.S. citizen and a registered voter in California. Click here to sign up to be a poll worker online. (back to top)
When does democracyLIVE! take place?
We wil be recruiting democracyLIVE! participants from August through September and training will take place at schools throughout October 2008. Students will work on Election Day, November 4. 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 General Election |
October 3, 2008 |
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. (back to top)
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. (back to top)
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:
- Fill out the democracyLIVE! application
- Get your parent/guardian’s permission (on application)
- Get your teachers’ permission (on application)
- Don't forget to get your photo release signed
- Send your application to the Elections Office no later than the deadline listed above. You can give your application to your School Contact or send it directly to democracyLIVE! via fax or mail.
Fax # (650) 312-5348
Address:
democracyLIVE!
40 Tower Road
San Mateo, Ca 94402
We strongly encourage you to send us your application as soon as possible.
(back to top)
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 applicaiton, please contact the democracyLIVE! Coordinator.
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. (back to top)
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. We will have training classes at other schools, specified training locations throughout the County, and our Elections Office. Most training classes will be after school but evening and Saturday classes will also be available. 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. (back to top)
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 send in your application, the more likely it is you’ll be placed in your preferred area. (back to top)
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. (back to top)
What if I can’t work on Election Day?
If you have to cancel your work on Election Day, you must contact us immediately. The deadline for cancellations is Friday, October 24th. (back to top)
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. (back to top)
How do I reach the democracyLIVE! Coordinator?
If you have any questions regarding this program, please feel free to contact the democracyLIVE! Coordinator by phone at 650-312-5298 or by email. (back to top)
Join democracyLIVE! today!
Click here to apply
|
