BAY VILLAGE, Ohio — As millions of voting Americans head to the polls next week, they'll entrust their ballots with poll workers. Many of whom are senior citizens and retirees.
It's been that way for as long as most of us can remember.
But over the past few years, COVID-19 health concerns have made some rethink their service. It's prompted election officials to look elsewhere for poll workers.
"They're terribly vital. We couldn't hold an election without poll workers," said Arianne Morrow, who is the assistant manager of recruitment for the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections. The department understands the importance of adding new faces to aid in the electoral process. And what better place than area high schools?
"I think it's important to show out in the polls and show that this younger generation does care," said Alexa Feicks, a senior at Bay High School. Feicks is preparing for her second sting as a poll worker, even though she can't vote quite yet.
"I'm 17 and won't turn 18 until January. I did have a really good experience that first time when I worked the election and I'm back for a second time."
Feicks' training and participation is thanks to the Future of Democracy Program, through the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections. To date, 18 Bay students have participated.
"Every student has come back very confident with the election process, very happy that they did it. In fact, oftentimes we have repeat applicants because they want to do it a second time," said Robert Grossman, Bay High School's Social Students Department Chair.
All training is done by Cuyahoga County. Students must be at least 17 years old. If they are 18, they must be registered to vote. Solid grades and a recommendation by their school are also required.
"It's very important for students to be involved. Primarily because they get the technology. I mean, everything is technology-based now, so they get it. They learn about the electoral process and they're just a breath of fresh air in the polling locations," said Morrow.
Robert Grossman brought the idea to Principal Justin Martin a few years ago. At first they hesitated, due to the time requirement, especially for busy high school seniors. Two years later Martin is very glad they took the chance.
"This generation - they're very engaged. They are very interested in what's going on in the world around them. They want to be active and they want to be a part of it," Martin said.
Three hours, or about half a school day for the students is devoted to training with the Board of Elections. There's also set-up help on election eve, followed by a very long day on November 5th.
Yes, there's a paycheck. About $220 for their total time. Pay varies by county. Students we spoke with say money isn't their motivation.
"It's very important for normal people to understand how this works, so there is some trust and understanding in how the system works," said Senior Chris Chakerian, who will be working as a poll worker for the first time. He's interested in politics and was recently named to Ohio Attorney General's Teen Ambassador Board.
There's also a strongly held belief, that by involving youth in programs like Future of Democracy, they're far more likely to become lifelong voters.
"This is the first time at our age where our voices will be heard and I think it's important to show out in the polls. This generation does care," said Feicks.
The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections partners with about 22 schools in the Future of Democracy program. But other schools can participate in the future - as well as homeschooled students too. You can find information HERE.