BOWLING GREEN, Ohio — Bowling Green State University is seeking to recruit and train students as poll workers amid a national shortage, according to a press release from the institution.
BGSU received a federal grant from the Help America Vote College Program, totaling $77,000 and lasting two-years to establish a Poll Worker Program. BGSU said this program would aim to recruit and train approximately 300 BGSU students to work at polling locations throughout northwest Ohio counties. It will be enacted by the C. Raymond Marvin Center for Student Leadership and Civic Engagement at BGSU.
“Working at the polls is such a unique way of giving back to the community,” Assistant Director of the Marvin Center Kendra Lutes said in the release. “One day, our students may run for office, attend town hall meetings or advocate for issues to local representatives. Being a poll worker affords students an additional method to serve their communities in a valuable capacity.”
Poll worker recruitment will begin on the first day of the Fall 2024 semester and continue through election day. According to the press release, 1 million poll workers are needed nationwide during a presidential election. This program will help meet the immediate national need for poll workers, while also encouraging students to engage in democracy, BGSU said.
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The nonpartisan training will be offered alongside trainings and workshops on electoral laws, multi-generational communication, and more, according to the release.
Poll workers make up to $200 on average, according to the Ohio Secretary of State's website, including paid training. BGSU said these participating students will have their mileage reimbursed for travel through the program.
BGSU students who want to work as poll workers must be 17 years old and registered voters in Wood, Lucas, Hancock, Sandusky and Huron counties.
According to the Secretary of State's site, poll workers report around 5:30 a.m. to their polling location, and stay until polls close at 7:30 a.m. Breaks are provided and you aren't required to stand on your feet all day.
The general public can sign up to be a poll worker and learn more by clicking here.
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