Missouri Youth Election Participant Program
The Missouri Youth Election Participant Program was created in 1994 when legislation was enacted that allowed full time high school students at least 15 and less than 18 years of age to work as polling place assistants on Election Day.
Students who serve as Youth Election Participants gain community service and experience a first hand perspective of the election process. Each local election authority and the schools within their jurisdiction can work together to tailor the program to fit the needs of their communities.
This program's benefits are valuable for the students, the local election authority and the community. Students gain election experience, community service, and a unique education by way of their interaction with the regular election judges. The local election authorities, often stressed to find enough people to staff polling places, are provided a group of intelligent and highly capable volunteers. Because of the greater number of people assisting at the polls, election day runs smoother for the general public and the chances of polling place mishaps are diminished.
Missouri Youth Election Participation is still catching on. If you are interested in bringing the program to your school, please contact the Secretary of State's Youth Participation Coordinator, Ken Murdock, at 1-800-669-8683 or ken.murdock@sos.mo.gov.