Call to Service

Call to Service

Story by Katherine Harrell // Design and Grophics by Elsa Pedrosa Noguera

Election day is fast approaching, and it requirement of 16 and be enrolled in school. appears most states and American Students also have to be legal U.S. citizens citizens are preparing for the big day. and have consent from legal guardians.

However, the nation faces a problem. Over Students heard about this opportunity 58 percent of poll workers are over 60 through a multitude of ways, some including according to National Public Radio. Senior social media and by word of mouth. citizens but, these are opting out this election “I heard through a group chat,” Aravamuthan cycle, as they are the most vulnerable age said. “I looked into it a little bit and was like, group to the coronavirus. you know what, I think I want to do this. I

The solution Texas and 44 other states think this is a good way to help the election chose is to allow minors to work the polls process and just see how it all works.” and be involved in the election process. The Election Administration and Voting Most states set the age minimum at 16, Report for the 2018 general election showed including Texas. Seniors Bianca Rodriguez and 70 percent of the jurisdictions reported Mira Aravamuthan, decided to partake. having a “somewhat difficult” or “very

“Honestly I’m really excited just because difficult” time recruiting poll workers. I’m not old enough to vote, so I like that it’s a “One of the main reasons I’m doing it is way to be involved in politics and get involved because I know a lot of old people who in the election without actually voting,” usually do it can’t, just because of the risk Rodriguez said. of coronavirus,”

In order to become student workers Rodriguez said. “So I in Texas, a person must meet the age know as a young person if I do get

coronavirus,

I will probably still be ok.”

Katherine Bordon, an experienced poll worker, lives in Houston. She has worked at the booths for the last seven years.

“I’m a geek,”

Bordon said. “I’m one of those that think that elections are important. That’s what our democracy is founded on. You have to have someone to work the polls, and I enjoy doing it.”

She is aware of the risks. However, she is still willing to risk catching coronavirus for a chance to be involved in this year’s election.

“I worked the election in July, the primary runoff in Houston,” she said. “We used the masks and the face shields, and then they had the table guards. With all that and the hand sanitizer and the finger protectors for the voters, I felt ok. I was a little nervous at first, but once I got in and started doing it, everybody was pretty cooperative.”

Although Bordon is comfortable with working the polling stations, she knows other workers who have decided to play it safe and not come back this year.

“I know at least one person,” Bordon said.

“She’s an older lady. She’s at least in her 70s. I don’t know what her health history is, but I think she’s worried about her husband’s illnesses, so she decided to play it better safe than sorry and stay home.” Working the polling stations is a new opportunity for teens who are not quite old enough to vote in elections. This may be something teenagers can continue to do after coronavirus is over. As of now Rodriguez and Aravamuthan have not been told where and when they will be volunteering. “I’m definitely going to do it again in the future just to be involved more in election day in general,” Rodriguez said.