This Election Day, students can serve as election clerks for the Dallas County Elections Department.
The work will consist of organizing the polling place prior to Election Day, ensuring that voters are qualified to vote, checking in and processing voters, distributing ballots, answering voters’ questions and obtaining results after the polls are closed.
“This is a unique opportunity for students to gain hands-on learning experience in what it means to be an active citizen,” Director of Community Service Courtney Phelps said. “I am sure many of our students have or will have some sort of conversation around the election whether it be in the classroom, with their families, friends or even on social media. This is an opportunity to step beyond those conversations and actively engage in a positive way.”
Phelps believe the opportunity to participate in essential elections such as this one as voters or volunteers is rare.
“The right to vote is something our community should not take lightly,” Phelps said. “Our students’ ability to assist voters in exercising that right should be considered a privilege and an honor.”
Junior Mary Lou McMillan jumped on the opportunity when it arose.
“This service opportunity really stood out to me because I am a big advocate for citizens taking advantage of their right to vote,” McMillan said. “I believe this is a great start to becoming involved in our country’s political system.”
Both Phelps and Dallas County believe this an opportunity that students should take advantage of. This election year is monumental and students have the chance to watch it firsthand.
“During my senior year in high school, this country witnessed a historic election,” Phelps said. “Unfortunately, I was not able to vote just yet, but I would have loved to be able to participate in the election as a volunteer.”