Student Poll Worker Program

Student Precinct Officer Program

Important Notice

The Sonoma County Registrar of Voter’s Office is currently in the process of transitioning to a new voting model which will change the procedures at the polls (now called Vote Centers). Vote Centers will be open for 11 days or 4 days depending on the location. Early voting hours will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Overview

The Sonoma County Registrar of Voters office operates a successful Student Precinct Officer Program. California State law allows eligible students to be appointed to serve as poll workers in a polling place on Election Day.

High school teachers and counselors are encouraged to talk with their students about this unique "behind-the-scenes" view of elections, and nominate qualified students for this program.

Students gain invaluable experience as Election Officials. They receive "hands-on" experience and training in elections administration, and gain an appreciation for the importance of public service and the significance of the democratic process.

Important Students will receive a stipend of $125 for participating in the program. Schools may wish to consider this a fundraising opportunity as well!

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Who Can Qualify

To be eligible, students must meet the following criteria:

Be at least 16 years old on, or before, the Election Day of service
Be a United States citizen or a lawfully admitted permanent resident on, or before, the Election Day of service
Be a student in good standing, attending a public or private secondary educational institution
Possess a GPA of at least 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale)

Important Note: Students are not required to be registered to vote in order to be part of this program.

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Student Precinct Officer Commitment

Students who participate in the program must complete the following assignments:

Attend a 2-hour training class prior to Election Day
Become a member of the "Precinct Board" (with other poll workers) and participate in the operation of the polling place
Perform duties assigned by the Inspector (the "lead" poll worker). This includes, but is not limited to, the following: locate voter names on rosters; obtain voter signatures; provide simple instruction to voters; issue, receive, and deposit ballot card(s); help set up and clean up the polling place.

Important Note: Election Day hours are long: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. "Split shifts" may be arranged. Please contact the Registrar of Voters office for details.

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Teacher Nominations

If you are a teacher and want to nominate eligible students, complete the following steps:

Print the Student Precinct Officer Program Nomination/Application Form (PDF: 26 kB)
Complete one application form for each student being nominated
Mail completed forms to the Registrar of Voters office or FAX to (707) 565-6843 noting "Attention: Student Precinct Officer Program"
After Election Day, follow up with your students and have a discussion about their experience

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Additional Information

To obtain more information about the Student Precinct Officer Program, contact the Registrar of Voters office or request information by email to rov-polls@sonoma-county.org.

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