As Philadelphia prepares for upcoming primary elections on May 19th, a new generation is planning to take polling places by storm, but not with their votes. Starting with smaller elections in 2019, the Philadelphia City Commissioners announced an initiative to increase youth political service. At 17 years old, high school students would be allowed to work at election sites near them, and even be paid up to $250.
Since the programs roll-out, almost 1,000 high schoolers across Philly have used it as opportunity to learn more about the inner-workings of our elections, including SCH senior Michael Goff. Goff found the program for a civic engagement project in his AP U.S. Government class, and decided to register. “[getting started] at first was a bit of a process. I had to get approval from the administration here since I would be working on a school day, and after that all I had to do was go to a short training before actual election day,” he says. Goff then added, “Since I was only 17 at the time and couldn’t vote just yet, I really relished the opportunity to engage with our political process first hand. I was able to learn about the processes of elections and the ballot system Pennsylvania uses to ensure a safe, effective, and efficient election”. Goff’s work happened on a day which recorded record voter turn out at his polling place, which he said gave him the opportunity to meet and hear from various kinds of voters and politicians stopping by.
SCH’s AP Gov teacher, Mrs. Gross, helps students sign up when they’re interested in working at polls. “I think it’s a really incredible way of getting involved from a young age in the process of elections, and the more people that are able to get involved, the better,” She says. Mrs. Gross continued, “Involved at 17 is an amazing way of getting young people to learn firsthand about the democratic process and how elections are run even when they’re not old enough to vote. I would absolutely recommend the program to any student.” Mrs. Gross also mentioned the “Governor’s Civic Engagement Award” which is an accolade given to all students who choose to work at polls on election day. All poll workers are submitted via their work sites, and this reward comes along side the aforementioned $250.
If you are 17 or older and have any interest in politics, election processes, or are just looking to make a little money and earn recognition, the time to act is now. Interested students should reach out to Mrs. Gross before the beginning of may so that they can apply and attend a mandatory poll worker training.
