Future Vote Expectations
Before Election Day, student participants attend a mandatory 1-hour training session, accompanied with a parent/guardian. In the training sessions, students and their parent/guardian learn polling procedures and have an opportunity to explore commonly misunderstood voting procedures by empowering them with information relevant to their participation in elections, Election Day expectations and responsibilities aimed at increasing voting knowledge and turnout in local and national elections.
On Election Day, Student Election Aides serve a 3-hour shift and are placed in precincts determined by their home addresses. At their assigned precinct, participants assist with pre-Election Day preparations and broaden their voting experience and knowledge in all facets of Election Day preparation, coordination and implementation.
Students dispense voting-related literature, pick up trash, indicate restrooms and polling-room exits and help voters in wheelchairs. Students are required to be sensitive and polite with all voters, including those with special needs, and, when possible and requested, provide information and/or assistance in a second language or in American Sign Language. Election Day student volunteers do not need to be U.S. citizens to take part in the program.
In addition to Election Day precinct support, Future Vote Student Election Aides and their parents have been incorporated into the Board of Elections community outreach and polling place operations leading to each Federal Election. Parents and students receive voter registration training certifying them to register voters at local community events and County facilities. At the present moment, over 15000 students have successfully participated in Future Vote with an additional 25000 parents/guardians discovering elements of Election Day support, outreach, preparation and implementation.