Poll workers dedicate themselves to preserving a foundation of democracy ­— the election process. The county’s elections officials depend on reliable and driven poll workers in order to make Election Day run as smoothly as possible, and the election this year is especially important given the tumultuous state of global affairs.

Youth today remain involved in democracy as poll workers. The California Elections Code section 12302, allows eligible high school students to serve as poll workers on Election Day.

Poll workers are in charge of setting up and closing a polling place as well as protecting ballots and voting equipment. However, due to COVID-19, things will operate differently this year.

“Most counties … are trying to get most people to vote by some kind of absentee ballot voting so that not as many people are coming to the polls,” said senior Natalie Graham, who plans to work at the poll booth on Nov. 3.

With fewer people entering polling stations, enough room is allowed for everyone to follow health restrictions. Senior Albena Goulisheva recounts some of the rules and qualifications regarding the poll stations.

“You have to be registered,” Goulisheva said. “When you’re voting you have to be in a private space; you shouldn’t have any outside influence. You shouldn’t see what  the person next to you is doing. You have to be in a secluded area. You have to make sure [the voters are] filling out the right thing.”

Safety regulations are in place to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 as polling stations can become crowded.

“We are trying to be open so that every voting citizen gets a chance to cast their vote,” Graham said. “We will be wearing masks and face shields to help everyone to make sure that we’re protected, and we’re also protecting them.”

The engagement of youth is critical in order to remain knowledgeable as to what is happening in the country. Later as adults, they can look back at what they’ve learned working at the poll booths and use that knowledge to help them vote.

“It’s really important for the youth of America to learn about politics [and] be engaged in politics,” Goulisheva said. “Just because you can’t vote, doesn’t mean you should be completely oblivious to what’s going on in your country.”

The Chief Elections Officer of  San Mateo, Mark Church, explains the benefits of serving as a student poll worker.

“There are several benefits to joining the Student Democracy Program,” Church said. “For one thing, volunteers receive $280 in compensation. But the real benefit is an up-close look at how American democracy works. Our election system is by design highly decentralized and rooted at the county level. You will see how a remarkably large and complex process moves forward, largely through the work of citizen volunteers like you. Less tangibly, there is simply nothing else like working at the polls on Election Day. There is a constant high energy, and it is very satisfying to watch hundreds of people come to do their part in making our democracy work. Be the person who hands a ‘Future Voter’ sticker to a child and inspires them to follow in your footsteps.”

Graham looks forward to spreading awareness about the importance of voting.

“I’m excited to see how it works,” Graham said. “I hope that I can help some people that might be a little more confused or not quite sure how to vote and give them a positive experience. I want to make sure that everyone knows that their vote does count.”

Church emphasizes the importance of remaining aware in politics.

“Even those who can’t vote or volunteer … you can still take part,” Church said. “Talk to your family and friends, ask if they’re registered. Stay informed about the candidates and issues. Our democracy is not a goal that can ever be considered complete, it is a process that requires the participation of people just like you. As the Constitution states, this country is created to form a ‘more perfect union.’ It is up to all of us to continue the process of making a fairer, more accessible, more perfect democratic system for all citizens.”