(Courtesy/Franklin County Board of Elections)

On Tuesday, November 5, for 13 upper schooler students participated in the Youth at the Booth initiative by working at polling stations on Election Day, an undertaking launched by ceramics teacher, Charity White, in 2020, when the pandemic caused a significant decrease in the number of poll workers, as many were concerned about the health risks associated with in-person interactions. Because a large number  of poll workers have typically been older adults—a group at higher risk for severe COVID complications–-widespread cancellations and shortages occurred. Ms. White said when she first worked the polls that she found the experience “so eye opening” that she wanted to step up support for the community by engaging  student participation. 

This year, Adrianna B., Alek B., Miranda B.-Y., Molly F., Grace H., Christina L., Amelia N., Zoe N.,  Henry P. Aliya S., Clara S., and Emma S., trained for their  jobs before working a 15-hour shift, beginning at  at 5:30 a.m, as they processed and assisted voters throughout the day, giving them a better understand the election process.

Youth at the Booth is specifically designed to get high school students involved in all elections, not just presidential. Clara S. has made it her personal initiative these past 2 years to increase civic engagement at CA through community cafes, YAB, voter registration booths, and absentee voter registration. Along with Ms. White, she said, ‘’Dr. Losambe and Dr. Bundy tried to aid Clara in her initiatives, but there is no established program at CA so we are in need of future civically minded students to take up Clara’s mantle next year.’’