The Montgomery County Board of Elections is seeking school-age students, grades 6-12, to participate in its “Future Vote” program. Interested students can choose to serve as Future Vote ambassadors or as election poll workers.
The Future Vote program is available to County students grades 6-12. U.S. citizenship is not a pre-requisite, but students must be able to speak, read and write the English language. Students with bilingual and American Sign Language skills are encouraged to apply.
The initiative combines civic participation and the opportunity to observe democracy in action. Volunteers will earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for their service. Training is required for both students and guardians. Details and volunteer expectations are provided at training.
Interested guardians must register their children by June 29. To apply online, or for more information, visit 777vote.org and select the “Future Vote” tab.
Students 16 years old or older are eligible to register to vote and serve as election poll workers. To serve as an election poll worker, minors must demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Maryland State Board of Elections, that they meet all qualifications for registration in the State. Depending on the number of days served, volunteers may choose to earn up to 185 Student Service Learning (SSL) hours or to receive a stipend of up to $1,650.
To serve in the paid volunteer position, election poll workers must be U.S. citizens; registered to vote in Maryland; able to speak, read and write the English language; and they cannot hold, or be a candidate for, public or party office. In addition, election workers may not serve as a campaign manager for a candidate or as treasurer for any campaign finance entity.
Training is required and will be provided to all election poll workers. This includes an online quiz, and in-person classroom training. Volunteers will be paid for completing training and working during Early Voting and/or Election Day. The Board of Elections offers several different positions, all-day and part-day. Information is available at 777vote.org. On the site, select the Election Workers tab, then the Position Description/Payment tab.
To apply, text SERVE to 77788 or go online to 777vote.org and select the Election Workers tab. Then select the Getting Started tab. For high school poll worker information, visit 777vote.org. Select the Election Workers’ tab and then the High School Poll Worker tab. More information also is available via email at election.judge@montgomerycountymd.gov.
For election-related information, call 240-777-8500 or visit www.777vote.org.
