Sacramento County, California – For Sacramento County teenagers curious about what happens after voters walk through the doors of a Vote Center, this election season offers a chance to see the process from the inside, and get paid for it.
County election officials are inviting high school students ages 16 and 17 to apply for work at Vote Centers, giving young people an unusual early look at how elections operate while also earning extra money, community service hours and real-world job experience.
The opportunity is part of Sacramento County’s broader effort to recruit people to help staff Vote Centers throughout the county. Election workers assist with the many tasks required to keep voting locations operating properly, from preparing the centers to issuing and receiving official ballots.
Students who want to participate must complete an application and have it signed by a parent or guardian. The signed application can then be mailed or scanned and emailed to [email protected].
More information is available by calling (916) 875-6100, emailing the county elections office at the address above or visiting Sacramento County’s Work the Election page.
The county is also recruiting adults for several election positions. Inspectors receive $19.30 an hour and can begin working at a Vote Center as early as 10 days before Election Day. They serve as supervisors, oversee clerks, manage election equipment, communicate with the Elections Office and make sure procedures are followed.
Clerks receive $16.90 an hour and have more scheduling flexibility, including the possibility of working only on Election Day. Their responsibilities include helping prepare, open, maintain and close Vote Centers and issuing and receiving ballots from voters.
Election workers generally must be California residents, be able to read and write fluent English, attend mandatory training before each election and have access to transportation.
Sacramento County is additionally looking for volunteers to close Official Ballot Drop Boxes and securely transport ballots to the Elections Office after polls close on Election Day.
For 16- and 17-year-old students, however, the program offers something beyond a typical temporary job. Before they are old enough to cast a ballot themselves, they can gain firsthand experience with the people, procedures and responsibilities involved in running an election.