Students work at primary election
Mar. 3, 2020 marked the most recent primary election day in California. Voters flocked to the polls to cast their votes for several public office positions, including the primary presidential elections, superior court, state senate, and assembly, as well as on Proposition 13.
However, with nearly 20 million people registered in California alone, the voting process requires the efforts of many people to become a reality. Many citizens’ can work for the day and assist in the polling process, an opportunity also open to high school students who are at least 16 years old and are interested in having an integral role in the election process.
To prepare for the position, workers attended a training session held a few weeks prior. “They taught us how to set up the voting area, what to do with all the forms, and what to do in different situations with a variety of people,” Josephine Duc, senior, said.
On the day of the election, poll workers reported to their designated center at 6 a.m. to begin setting up, where they stayed until after polls closed at 8 p.m. Their specific responsibilities varied, but included “directing people where to turn in their ballots, collecting all the mail ballots, helping people who wanted to vote electronically and fill out provisional and conditional forms, etcetera,” Paige Nelson, senior, said.
Although election day can seem formidable, working the polls helped many student workers familiarize themselves with what happens from both sides of the booth.“Voting for the first time can seem quite intimidating if you aren’t sure what to expect, and this experience really helps get you acquainted with the process,” Sprihi Yendamuri, senior, said.Being a poll worker was undoubtedly a worthwhile experience. “It was cool to be a member of democracy indirectly, and to help people,” Duc said. “It can teach you what each ballot means and what your party association does in regards to primary elections,” Nelson said. “You also get to be an active part of your community while gaining invaluable experience.”
