High school seniors are offering their time to work in this year’s election.
Multiple students are helping with the polls at Seibert Hall in Manchester on Election Day. They are expected to arrive at 5:45 a.m. and will finish the process around 9 p.m.
One of the students helping, Tiana Washington, wanted to take the job because she saw it as a great opportunity regarding her future.
“I thought working at the polls would be a cool experience to have as a high schooler,” Washington said. “Participating in our government before I’m 18 sounds like something scholarship organizations would really be into. It’s also a great networking opportunity with the active members of our local government. Plus, they pay you, so it’s a win-win!”
According to Washington, the reason high schoolers were sought out is because they were raised with the internet and technology.
“As the poll process has modernized, more and more things have been moved to a computer,” Washington said.
Although the older generation can handle it, Washington feels that having teens help with the election is a good way to speed up the process and get some of the younger members of the community involved.
Cole Duncalf, a teacher, believes high schoolers should be involved in the democratic process.
“The earlier someone votes in their life, the better chance they have of becoming a life-long voter,” Duncalf said. “By getting eligible high schoolers to work in the election, it helps to create citizens who believe they can affect politics, believe in the idea of making a difference, and believe in the idea of Democracy.”
Other seniors helping at the polls include Malachi Finch, Emily Gudenkauf, Alex Niemer, and Nick Uthe.
