The Office of the Connecticut Secretary of State is offering a new two-year job opportunity for undergraduate students in Connecticut. The program, named Next Gen Elections, plans to train approximately 40 students as poll workers for the November 2024 and 2025 state elections.
Next Gen Elections promises “moderator-level training, giving students all the tools they need to run a voting location or serve in any poll worker position.” Students will be expected to gain valuable experience in leadership, résumé-building and the democratic process, which will be beneficial for any applicant interested in future civic engagement. Additionally, participants are offered networking opportunities with election officials and town leaders, both on the job site and during a “virtual kick-off” and “post-election in-person convening.”
“This is a historic time in CT elections,” said Office of the Secretary State Outreach and Engagement Manager Annie Black. “Young people will be at the forefront.”
During the eight-hour, primarily virtual training period, students will be mentored by an assigned Registrar of Voters, an elected official tasked with maintaining Connecticut’s voter registration system, leading poll workers, and reporting election results.
As Next Gen Elections is a two-year program, participants must be enrolled at the University of Connecticut until at least November 4, 2025. Participants are required to work at least 20 hours during both the 2024 and 2025 elections.
Students will be compensated at a rate of $18/hr for both training and work at the polls and are subject to United States work eligibility requirements. Prospective moderators with Next Gen Elections must be registered to vote in Connecticut.
Students will also be reimbursed for any travel costs accrued over training, working hours and post-election convening.
There are no GPA or major requirements for the program, but the Secretary of State’s Office recommends students be driven, motivated and excited to serve in a leadership role as an election moderator.
“Civic engagement is a valuable life lesson,” said Black, “We encourage students of all disciplines to apply, not just those who foresee a career in government.”
Applications are due by 11:59 P.M. on April 25, 2024. More information can be found at https://portal.ct.gov/sots/education/next-gen-elections/next-gen-elections—home or civics101@ct.gov.