Students encouraged to be poll workers

ELECTIONS 2020

From Staff Reports

In conjunction with the Secretary of State, the Dallas County Elections Department encourages eligible students to participate in the political processes and benefit their community by serving as election clerks in Dallas County elections. The Dallas County Elections Department has long welcomed student election workers and provides students with a greater awareness of the election process and the rights and responsibilities of voters. With this working experience, students have an opportunity for civic engagement and are more likely to vote and participate in elections.

What are Student Election Workers?

High school students who are 16 years of age or older have the opportunity to participate in the electoral process by serving as elections clerks at the polling place on Election Day. A student who is at least 16 years of age and who is either enrolled in a public or private high school, or is homeschooled, and has the consent of the principal (or parent/legal guardian in charge of homeschooling) may serve as an election clerk. The Dallas County Elections Department must receive written authorization from the student’s parent or guardian for the student to serve in the election for which he or she is appointed.

This program is designed to provide students with a greater awareness of the electoral process and the rights and responsibilities of voters. The students will assist their local election officials by filling positions at polling places on Election Day and working under the direction of the polling place presiding judge.

Benefits of Serving as an Election Clerk

• Dallas County Election workers are paid $12 or $16 an hour depending on the type of election.

• Students will gain practical experience by serving their community and state.

• Receive community service hours.

• Experience as an election clerk is an impressive addition to a resume or college application.

• Students can take part in a rewarding activity while learning about the democratic process.

What are the Responsibilities of an Election Clerk?

Working under the supervision of the judge, student election clerks may assist with the following duties:

• Organizing the polling place before the polls open.

• Ensuring that qualified voters are permitted to vote.

• Checking in and processing voters. 

• Distributing ballots to registered voters.

• Answering voters’ questions.

• Explaining the use of the voting equipment.

• Maintaining order in the polling place on Election Day.

• Obtaining results after the polls are closed and closing the polling place.

What are the Required Qualifications of a Student Election Clerk?

• Be at least 16 years old on Election Day.

• If 18 years old MUST be a registered voter in Dallas County.

• Be enrolled in a public, private, or qualified home school.

• Be a U.S. citizen;

• Fluent in Spanish and English (for bilingual student election clerks).

• Have consent of his/her parent or legal guardian to work the election.

• Have consent of his/her school principal (or parent/legal guardian for home-schooled students) and

• Complete any required election worker training program.

 How to Apply

• Visit dallascountyvotes.org to fill out the application.

• Have your parent or guardian sign the Parent/Legal Guardian Permission portion.

• Have your principal sign the School Principal Authorization portion.  Also, take the proper steps to ensure that your absence from school on Election Day will be excused.

• To be selected, you must attend the required election training class prior to election day. This training provides all the necessary information and knowledge to be a successful election clerk.

• Mail or fax the application by Sept. 28 to:

Dallas County Elections Department  

Attn: Student Election Workers

1520 Round Table Drive

Dallas, TX 75247

Phone 214-819-6319 

Fax 214-819-6301 

studentelectionworker@

dallascounty.org

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