10/11/2006

Suffolk University has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Center for Election Integrity to partner with the City of Boston to recruit and train students as poll workers on Election Day, November 7, 2006. 

“Through participation in this project, students will learn how democracy actually works, while engaging on the importance of civic and volunteer participation in their communities,” said Rachael V. Cobb, assistant professor of Government .

Many poll workers have been unable to continue their service in recent years, and nationally the average age of a poll worker is 72. And the introduction of new voting machines and procedures has increased the need for tech-savvy workers.

“There is always a big need for college students serving as poll workers,” said Cobb.  “If we get 100 students to work the polls on Election Day, and 10 of them decide to do it again over the years, that’s a huge success.”

“Partnering with Suffolk University on this project presents a win-win opportunity, as the city will be able to tap into Suffolk’s diverse student population, while concomitantly promoting civic engagement, education and interest amongst the students,” said Helen Wong, Language Coordinator, Boston Election Department, who will organize the training sessions on the Suffolk campus. 

Back to News »