Students offered a chance to work the polls
Political tensions are high. The next several weeks are vital for both Democrats and Republicans, as the midterm elections this November will determine whether or not Republicans stay in power or Democrats take over the Senate.
Midterm elections for the United States are on Nov. 6, 2018. While not many students can vote due to their age, students can still get involved with the democratic voting process another way- working at the polls.
Steve Johnson, head of the social science department, both acknowledges and promotes this opportunity. “The County of Ventura has a special program where students are able to apply, and if they are accepted and go through training, can work on election day,” Johnson said.
Matthew LaRocca, history teacher, explained his understanding of what students do during the day. “You have an opportunity to help check in perspective voters, help find their name in the ledger book, and then possibly hand out ballots to them,” LaRocca said.
Since the election is on a school day, students who participate in the event are excused from school. Additionally, students get a stipend for their work.
This opportunity is not a one-time activity, students can work as poll workers any time there is a countywide election.
However, it is not as simple as just showing up on election day and starting to work, there are some requirements for working in the polls. In order to even be considered, volunteers must be at least 16 years old. Then, an application must be filled out.
In addition, “You have to have a 2.5 GPA, you have to be either a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident, you have to have parental and teacher permission and you have to attend a training, and then you are assigned to a polling place on election day,” Johnson said.
Bradley Zienty, senior, worked as a poll worker in June for the primary election.
Training for the event took place in a local library, where Zienty learned how to verify voters’ identities and manage the equipment.
Zienty’s experience working in the polls helped him learn something about the process. “(It) was a good experience because I never really went with my parents to vote…so I decided that I was going to volunteer for a student position and learn more about it,” Zienty said.
Johnson agrees that the event provides a chance to learn about politics. “(Students) are participating in campaigns, we have students who work for various candidates who are excited about voting and being a part of the process, and this is a great way to introduce that.”
LaRocca encourages students to seize this occasion. “You have an opportunity, we’ve told you about it, just go do it.”