Students aged 16 or older, enrolled in public, private, or homeschooled high schools, with consent from their principal or parent/guardian, can serve as election clerks. Written authorization from the parent/guardian is required. This program enhances students’ understanding of the electoral process, empowering them to assist local election officials at polling places on Election Day under the guidance of the presiding judge.
Qualifications
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be at least 16 years old on Election Day
- If you will be 18 years old or older on Election Day, you MUST be a registered voter.
- Be enrolled in a public, private, or a qualified home school
- Have consent by your parent or legal guardian to work in the election
- Have consent by your school principal (or parent/legal guardian for home-schooled students) to work in the election
- Complete required election worker training class
- Fluent in Spanish or Vietnamese and English (for Bilingual Student Clerks only)
Job Duties
- Working under the supervision of the judge, student election clerks may assist with the following duties:
- Organizing the polling place before the polls open.
- Ensuring that qualified voters are permitted to vote.
- Checking in and processing voters.
- Distributing ballots to registered voters.
- Answering voters’ questions.
- Explaining the use of the voting equipment.
- Maintaining order in the polling place on Election Day.
Benefits
- Dallas County Election workers are paid $18.24 an hour.
- Students will gain practical experience by serving their community and state.
- Receive community service hours. Volunteer Form
- Experience as an election clerk is an impressive addition to a resume or college application.
- Students can take part in a rewarding activity while learning about the democratic process.