Student Election Judge Program
In Colorado, Juniors and Seniors in high school (ages 16 & 17) are able to work at polling places on Election Day as Student Election Judges. This experience exposes students to grassroots democracy in our community. Serving as a Student Election Judge motivates students to become active voters and to serve as regular election judges when they are adults.
Qualifications
Student Election Judges must be:
- U.S. citizens by the date of the election at which they are scheduled to work.
- Willing to serve long hours on Election Day. Duties start as early as 6:00 AM and can last as late as 9 p.m.
- Physically and mentally able to perform the duties of an Election Judge.
- Able to attend a mandatory Election Judge training session.
- Never have been convicted of election fraud, other election offenses, or fraud.
- Not be related to any candidate on the ballot in the precinct where they are working.
- At least 16 or 17 years old and a Junior or Senior “in good standing” at a public or private high school at the time of the election at which they plan to work. Homeschooled students are also eligible.
- Have the written consent of a parent or legal guardian.
State statute makes the following provisions:
- Student Election Judges do not need to be registered electors.
- There are no party affiliation requirements for Student Election Judges.
- Upon approval by their school’s principal or an administrator designated by the principal, Student Election Judges will be appointed by and will serve at the discretion of the local Election Official.
- Students should have their own transportation to the Voter Service and Polling Center (VSPC) to which they are assigned or must assure the Election Official that they will arrive at the VSPC at 6 a.m. and have return transportation when their Election Day work is complete (approximately 8 to 9 p.m.).
- Student Election Judges will assist in checking-in voters and assisting electors in casting their ballots in the role of Voter Aide or Ballot Aide.
- Veteran Election Judges will supervise Student Election Judges.
- Student Election Judges will be compensated for working Election Day and for attending the mandatory Election Judge training session.
If you are interested in serving as a Student Election Judge on Election Day, please contact Douglas County Election Judge Coordinator, Jeanette Flonnes, [email protected], to apply.
