Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder-Elections

September 09, 2008

San Mateo County Schools support democracyLIVE! Program
Students to participate in record numbers

Redwood City, CA –Schools throughout the Peninsula have sprung into action in response to the San Mateo County’s call for student poll workers for the upcoming November 4 Presidential General Election. In late August, local school districts and high schools were sent information packets about the democracyLIVE! Program, San Mateo County’s student poll worker program, and were asked to encourage students to apply for the program. Twenty schools confirmed participation during the first week back to school! This is indicative of the interest in the upcoming races and the outstanding relationship that we have developed with the schools in San Mateo County, according to San Mateo County Chief Elections Officer Warren Slocum. “We’re very excited to have this support and we welcome the students,” he said.

Mr. Steve Simondi of El Camino High School called to let Kriselle Laran know that approximately 81 students sign up for the democracyLIVE! student poll worker program in the first week. “With record turnouts expected at the polls, we want every student that is interested in being a part of this historic election to participate. They will make a critical difference,” said Slocum.

Participating schools include:

· Aragon High School*
· Burlingame High School*
· Capuchino High School
· Carlmont High School
· Castilleja School*
· Crystal Springs Uplands School*
· El Camino High School
· Half Moon Bay High School
· Hillsdale High School
· Jefferson High School
· Menlo-Atherton High School
· Mid-Peninsula High School
· Mills High School
· Notre Dame High School
· Redwood High School*
· Sacred Heart Preparatory School
· South San Francisco High School
· Summit Preparatory High School*
· Westmoor High School
· Woodside High School

Regarding the support from local schools, San Mateo County Chief Elections Officer Warren Slocum has said, “This program creates a unique opportunity for students to participate in our democracy, witness the participation of voters in their own community, and provide a critical service to voters at the polls. What better way to understand the principle of democracy that our country was founded upon.”

Participating student poll workers must be U.S. citizens, be a resident or student in San Mateo County, be 16 years of age, hold a 2.5 g.p.a., and have the permission of their parents(or guardians) and teachers.

The California student poll worker program was established in 1996 to allow students the opportunity to get 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 by assisting voters and managing polling place operations.

Students participating in democracyLIVE! are paid $125: ($25) for training and ($100) for serving on Election Day. Training is mandatory; without training, students may not serve at the polls on Election Day. Training classes are held at school sites that have at least 20 students participating in the program; other training options are available for students with unavoidable conflicts or absences.

In addition to the firsthand experience with democracy and the chance to be part of one of the most historic elections held in years, students have the opportunity to earn some money and most (with school approval) may receive up to 20 community service hours to apply toward graduation requirements.

To learn more about the democracyLIVE! program, please visit the democracyLIVE! Web site at http://www.shapethefuture.org/democracylive or call the Program Coordinator, Kriselle Laran, at (650) 312-5298.

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