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Election Officers
Student Election Officer Program
Everything You Need to Know About democracyLIVE!
We hope that anyone who wants to sign up does and takes advantage of this amazing opportunity to experience Election Day first-hand.
What is democracyLIVE!?
democracyLIVE! is the San Mateo County Student Election Officer program aimed at giving high school students an inside look at American democracy in action. Student Election Officers are critical members of the Election Day team and provide support to Elections Staff, assisting voters and participating in polling place operations.
Who can join democracyLIVE!?
In order to be a Student Election Officer with democracyLIVE!, you must
- be at least 16 years old
- be a high school student with a minimum 2.5 GPA
- be a U.S. citizen
- have written permission from both your parent/guardian and school for you to work on Election Day.
What are the benefits of joining democracyLIVE!?
- It looks great on a college application or resume
- Earn community service credits, depending on school policy
- Represent your school
- See democracy in action from a local perspective
- Earn $125
When does democracyLIVE! take place?
We will be recruiting democracyLIVE! participants from March to early April, training will take place in the schools during the month of May. Students will work on Election Day, June 5, 2012. If you would like to join democracyLIVE! and serve as a Student Election Officer on Election Day, please apply by April 6, 2012.
Student Election Officers work from 6 a.m. to approximately 9:30 p.m. on Election Day, and the polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. for voting.
How do I apply to join democracyLIVE!?
You may download the democracyLIVE! application on this website or pick one up at your school.
Here’s what to do:
- Fill out the democracyLIVE! application
- Get your parent/guardian’s signature on your application
- Get all your teachers’ signature on your application
- Fill out W-4 IRS Information Form
- Give your application to your School Coordinator by the deadline of April 6th
How do I know if my application was accepted and where I am working?
If your application is accepted, you will receive a letter from the Elections Office with your polling location assignment. We try to assign you as close to your home as possible. If you do not receive an assignment letter by two weeks before the election, please call (650) 286-2810 or email democracylive@smcare.org.
Do I have to attend a training class?
Yes. All Student Election Officers are required to attend a three hour training class. Most classes will take place at your school in May. If you missed your assigned training class at school you must attend the training class at 40 Tower Road, San Mateo CA 94402. Contact your School Coordinator to find out when the training class will be at your school.
What if I can’t attend the training class I’m scheduled for?
If you cannot attend your scheduled training class, please contact the democracyLIVE! Coordinator and we can place you in a class that works better for you. If you cannot attend your scheduled class, you must contact us via phone or email to cancel at least 24 hours before the beginning of the class.
How long will I have to work on Election Day?
Election Day is long – you start at 6 a.m. and finish when the entire precinct board has completed their tasks at approximately 9:30 p.m. You are given two one-hour breaks during the day. You must complete the entire shift. Half-shifts are not available.
What if I can’t work on Election Day?
If you have to cancel, you must contact us immediately. No shows will be disqualified from future involvement in the program and your school will be notified.
How much will I get paid?
All Election Officers receive $125 for attending the training class and working on Election Day. In order to receive a paycheck, you must complete the required training class, return the W-4 form and work the entire Election Day shift.
When do I get paid?
Student Election Officer stipend check will be mailed approximately at the end of June. If you haven’t received your paycheck by the middle of July, please contact us at democracylive@smcare.org.
How do I reach the democracyLIVE! Coordinator?
If you have any questions regarding this program, please feel free to contact the democracyLIVE! Coordinator by email.
