16 year olds being recruited to work General Election

RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – While some people like to mail in their ballot, others like to show up in person.

Here in Nevada, you can do either to vote. But it takes a big effort to set up and man polling centers on Election Day.

Right now, Washoe County’s Registrar of Voters is looking for local residents to help do the job.

“We need about 800 election workers for this upcoming season,” says George Gutherie, Washoe County Registrar of Voters Office Media Specialist.

For the first time Washoe County’s Registrar of Voters is tapping into a new resource.

But it’s not a new concept. Based on a 1993 Nevada law, 16-year-olds can work at poll centers. They must be U.S. Citizen and be attending high school.

The registrar is looking to pique the interest of 100 teens to help out on Election Day.

“Student election worker(s) are an untapped resource that we want to make sure there is awareness to this amazing, amazing program,” says Gutherie.

Those who sign up will be required to take a course offered on an evening or weekend day. They will be assigned a location which could be their own high school.

What they won’t be doing is just sitting around on Election Day.

“This isn’t an observation position,” says Valerie Balen, an election specialist. “This is actually where we want them to be talking to voters. We want them to be learning how the registration process works. It is great. They are going to get a first eye look on what they might have to do in two years. We aren’t here to just put them in the corner.”

Teens must get their parents’ permission to commit to working on Election Day at a poll center.

The deadline is September 15, and you must be 16 years of age by that date.

Students will be treated as professionals. They will receive professional training and work up to 12 hours a day on Election Day. And they will be paid as professionals–$225.00.

For more information: https://www.washoecounty.gov/voters/get-involved/election_workers/studentelectionworkers.php

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