High school students who are 16 years of age or older now have the opportunity to participate in the electoral process by serving as Student Election Clerks at any voting site during Early Voting or on Election Day. A high school student who is at least 16 years of age and who is enrolled in a public or private high school or home school and has the consent of the Principal (or parent/legal guardian in charge of education in home school) may serve as a Student Election Clerk. Our office must receive written authorization from the student’s parent or guardian in order to serve in the election for which he or she is appointed. The current pay is $15.00 per hour.

This program is designed to provide students with a greater awareness of the electoral process and the rights and responsibilities of voters. The students will assist their local election officials by filling positions at voting sites during Early Voting or on Election Day and working under the direction of the Early Voting Judge or Presiding Judge.

What are the benefits of serving as a Student Election Clerk?

Some of the benefits of serving as a Student Election Clerk are:

• Get paid hourly for their service;
• Gain practical experience by serving their community and the State of Texas;
• Experience is an impressive addition to a resumé or college application;
• Take part in a rewarding activity while learning about the democratic process; and
• Earn community service hours for school.

What are the responsibilities of a Student Election Clerk?

Working under the supervision of the Presiding Judge, Student Election Clerks may assist with the following duties:

• Organizing the voting site before the polls open;
• Ensuring that qualified voters are permitted to vote;
• Checking in and processing voters;
• Distributing ballots to registered voters;
• Providing instructions and assistance to voters;
• Explaining the use of the voting equipment;
• Maintaining order in the polling place during Early Voting or on Election Day;
• Assisting with closing procedures after the polls close.

What are the required qualifications of a Student Election Clerk?

To be qualified, you must:

• Be at least 16 years old on Election Day;
• Be enrolled in a public, private, or qualified home school;
• Be a U.S. Citizen;
• Have consent of your parent or legal guardian to work the election;
• Have consent of your school Principal (or parent/legal guardian for home-schooled students), and
• Attend a mandatory training provided by the El Paso County Elections Department.

• Complete the Student Election Clerk Application and Permission Form.
• Have your parent or guardian sign the parent/legal guardian permission portion.
• Have your school Principal sign the school Principal authorization portion. Also, take the proper steps to ensure that your absence from school in order to work during Early Voting or on Election Day will be excused.

You can submit your completed application in one of two ways:

• By mail to:
  El Paso County Elections Department
  Attn: Lisa Wise, Elections Administrator
  500 E. San Antonio Ave., Suite 314
  El Paso, Texas 79901

• By email to epelections@epcounty.com. In the email title include “Your full name - Student Election Clerk Application and Permission Form” and include your completed application as an attachment.

• Try to send application at least 60 days prior to Election Day (even though there is no statutory deadline).

• If selected, attend the required Poll Worker training prior to serving as a Student Election Clerk. This training provides all the necessary information and knowledge to be a successful Student Election Clerk.

Important Notes:

• The Elections Administrator will provide each judge with a list of all eligible Student Election Clerks.
• A school district may excuse a student for the purpose of serving as an Early Voting and/or Election Day Student Election Clerk for a maximum of two days in a school year. (Example: A student could work two weekdays during Early Voting for an election held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, and then also work on Election Day, as the student would only have to be excused from school for two days).
• Up to four Student Election Clerks may work at a single Early Voting Location at a time, and up to two Student Election Clerks may work at an Election Day Vote Center at a time.

Remember…When you turn 18, you will have reached the age to serve as a regular Poll Worker!

For more information, contact the El Paso County Elections Department at (915) 546-2154.