Students work at the polls on election day

February 3, 2008

Around 400 high school students from 23 San Mateo County public and private high schools are preparing to work at polls across the county during the presidential primary election on Tuesday, according to the county elections office.

Students participating in democracyLIVE 2008 will undergo two hours of after-school training to learn how to use the eSlate voting system, polling place procedures and how to assist voters.

Participating students must be U.S. citizens, at least 16 years old on Election Day, hold at least a 2.5 grade point average and have permission from a teacher and a parent or guardian.

San Mateo County Chief Elections Officer Warren Slocum said the program is "an excellent opportunity for high school students to get a firsthand look at the elections process."

"We're thrilled to see nearly every school in the county represented," he added.

Volunteers will work alongside veteran poll workers to set up at 6 a.m., undertake polling responsibilities throughout the day and help close the polls at 9 p.m., according to the elections office.

Students will be paid $125 for their training and service on Election Day, but some are choosing to donate their earnings in order to receive community service credit.

Training will be available until Monday, according to the elections office. Each high school in the county has been encouraged to contribute at least 25 students to the program.