• Overview
• Who Can Qualify
• Student Precinct Officer Commitment
• Teacher Nominations

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.

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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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)

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

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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.

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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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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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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