Fifteen Nevada County high school students will get a firsthand look at democracy in action on Election Day, Nov. 3, when they serve as paid poll workers at vote centers throughout the county.
The students, ages 16 and older, will join experienced election workers in helping voters participate in the General Election. Along the way, they’ll gain valuable work experience, learn how elections operate and contribute to their communities.
The student poll worker program offers young people an opportunity to participate in the democratic process, even before they are old enough to vote.
“Getting young people involved in elections is one of the best ways to build a stronger democracy,” said Nevada County Registrar of Voters Armando Salud-Ambriz. “These students aren’t just learning about elections in a classroom. They’re seeing firsthand how the process works and playing an important role in helping their neighbors vote. We hope this experience inspires them to stay involved in their communities and become lifelong voters.”
In California, high school students who are at least 16 years old, are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents, maintain a minimum 2.5 grade point average and have permission from their parents and school can serve as paid poll workers. Students must also attend a public or private high school.
For many of Nevada County’s newest election workers, the opportunity is about much more than earning a paycheck.
Michael Machado, 18, of Grass Valley, is excited about voting for the first time. He remembers accompanying his mother to the polls when he was just 6 years old. “Now that I am an adult, I am curious to learn how the process actually works,” he said.
Jackie Garcia of Truckee, who also serves as an intern for the Nevada County Elections Office, is looking forward to helping Spanish speaking voters. “I know what it feels like to figure things out in a new language, so I want every resident to feel informed and confident when they vote,” Garcia said.
Haile Sharma, of Nevada City, is grateful to have an opportunity to make a difference.
“For my future, I especially know I want to help the world in some way, and I hope I can start by working at the elections,” Sharma said.
Voting is underway now with eight Nevada County vote centers open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily through Nov. 2. Nine Nevada County vote centers will be open 7 a.m.-8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3. For locations and hours, visit www.NevadaCountyCa.gov/votehere.