This election season, West Essex students are playing a vital role in promoting fair elections by serving as poll workers.
Last spring, Laura Drago, supervisor of History and World Languages, collaborated with the Essex County Clerk’s office to create an opportunity for West Essex students to work as poll workers.
“The motivation from the Essex County Board of Elections was to get students involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the electoral process and expand civic involvement,” Drago said.
Traditionally, poll workers are primarily older volunteers. However, recently there was a push to recruit younger poll workers. Those interested in being a part of the program attended training at the Essex County Courthouse on May 2, where they learned about the voting process—registering to vote, checking in voters, verifying eligibility and assisting with voting machines. Voting is the primary way for Americans to directly participate in the government and these student are gaining firsthand experience in this electoral process.
A total of 35 students applied their skills during the primary elections at their respective towns’ voting locations.
“I went to vote in the primary and I saw our wonderful West Essex students,” Drago said. “Even though they actually can’t vote themselves, this experience is a way to motivate the students to be ready to vote and encourage others to participate.”
Much of the election’s focus has been on gaining the support of young voters. By involving themselves in the election, a new generation of voters is demonstrating how they are civically engaged.
“It is important for students to be involved in the voting process so that when they are old enough, they won’t feel intimidated and will be more likely to vote,” senior Natalie Smith said.
As student poll workers are more adapted to recent technology, they have been able to provide support with the modern voting equipment.
“The new polling equipment is digital, and many of the current poll workers, who may have been working the polls for years, have no idea how to use the new iPads,” senior Joe Petrarca said. “Most high school students grew up with iPads, giving them an advantage when working the polls and speeding up the voting process for everybody.”
Even if not contributing to the election as a poll worker, students can actively contribute to the electoral process by registering to vote.
“I look forward to working on the upcoming election, and I encourage all those who are interested in poll working to try it out,” Petrarca said.
