San Mateo County high school students can earn $280 working at Vote Centers on Election Day. Applications close at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16.
The county's Registration & Elections Division is accepting applications for its Student Democracy Program, which places students inside Vote Centers on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Spots are limited per school and filled on a first-come, first-served basis, according to the county's program materials.
Selected students help with voter check-in, ballot drop-off, line management and sanitizing voting equipment. The shift runs from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. with two one-hour breaks. Half-shifts are not available.
The county pays $280 total for completing the full shift and required online training, which takes about two hours.
To qualify, students must be at least 16 years old on Election Day, hold a minimum 2.5 GPA and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. They must read, write and speak fluent English, according to the county’s requirements. They also need written permission from a parent or guardian and their school, and must arrange their own transportation. According to the program guide, the county will try to assign students to Vote Centers close to their home address.
Chephren Goree, the Student Democracy Program coordinator, oversees assignments. Accepted students receive an email with their training materials and Vote Center location. Students who do not receive an assignment letter by two weeks before the election should call 650-655-6205 or email [email protected].
The program also counts toward community service credits at some schools and can go on a college application or resume, according to the program guide.
No-shows face disqualification, and their school will be notified. Stipend checks take at least 30 days to process.
Applicants must also complete the county’s required W-4 paperwork and provide a copy of their Social Security card or permanent resident card, following the submission instructions on the program page.
Applications can be submitted by mail or in person to the Vote Center Unit at 40 Tower Road in San Mateo, or by email to [email protected]. The deadline: 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16.
