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February 2008

Civic Minded WCHS Student Poll Workers Serving Their Community

The Orange County Registrar of Voters afforded WCHS seniors the opportunity to be student poll workers for the February 5th California Presidential Primaries.  Student workers were required to be at least 16 years old, have a GPA of 2.5, and be an American citizen.  Furthermore, to be involved in working the polls, students were required to attend training sessions held on various days throughout Orange County, including one held right here on the WCHS campus.  These training sessions prepared students for various situations that they would encounter on election day.

A little known fact about poll working is the amount of time and effort needed to set up the polls correctly.  Some students met their crews the night before, while others arrived early in the morning, (before 6 a.m.) to set up their polling places.  While directions for set up were meticulous, things generally went off without a hitch.

When the polls opened at 7 a.m., students found themselves working in a variety of positions.  From operating electronic machinery to passing out paper ballots to counting votes, Whittier Christian students were involved every step of the way. 

By the end of the night, many students were exhausted and were left to clean up and count the ballots, recount, and count them again.  In fact, most students did not leave until at least 9 p.m..
    

Overall, it was a very rewarding experience and truly informed the students about the political process.