2007 News
June 15 , 2007
Bucks County Commissioners, Board of Elections Praise High-School Poll Workers
A Total of 40 Teenagers Participate in Program Facilitated by Election-Law Change
Early this year, in anticipation of Bucks County’s May 15 Municipal Primary Election, Commissioners Charles H. Martin, chairman, James F. Cawley, Esq. and Sandra A. Miller sent a letter urging local high-school principals to capitalize on “a recent change in election law that permits the availability of 17-year-old high school students to work as a compensated employee at the polls.”
The response to the commissioners’ call was impressive, as 40 students from 14 different high schools took advantage of the opportunity to work as a clerk or machine operator for a full day or half day at their respective districts. To qualify for participation, students had to be at least 17 years of age, a United States citizen and resident of Bucks County, enrolled in a secondary education institution with an exemplary academic record, have written approval by the principal of the school on school letterhead, and have written consent of parent or guardian with contact information. No more than two students were allowed to work at any precinct.
“We applaud all of the young men and women who took advantage of this opportunity to participate in this most-fundamental aspect of our democratic process,” Commissioner Martin noted.
Commissioner Miller, who was instrumental in publicizing the program, thanked the underage poll workers for their service, adding, “This was a wonderful way for our young people to get involved under the direct supervision of a Judge of Elections.”
Leading the way with nine participants was William Tennent High School, which provided two students apiece to Upper Southampton West 1 and Warminster Township 4. Pennridge had five participants, while Neshaminy and Pennsbury had four apiece.
In coordinating the venture, Board of Elections Director Deena Dean and her staff maintained a spreadsheet of interested students. Following the election, the Board of Elections forwarded a letter of appreciation to the principals of the participating schools.
The list of participating high schools illustrates the program’s diversity. It included:
- Bensalem H.S.
- Central Bucks East H.S.
- Central Bucks West H.S.
- Central Bucks South H.S.
- Council Rock High School North
- Council Rock High School South
- Neshaminy H.S.
- Palisades H.S.
- Pennridge H.S.
- Pennsbury H.S.
- Plumstead Christian H.S.
- Harry S. Truman H.S.
- William Tennent H.S.