Teen-agers to get polling experience

Dozens of Columbia County 16-, 17-year-olds who meet local criteria to be permitted to help out with vote

Web posted June 29, 1998

By Charmain Z. Brackett
Correspondent

Although they can't cast ballots, they can help others at the polls this year.

A new Georgia law lets 16- and 17-year-olds volunteer at the polls during elections.

``I think it's great for them,'' said Rudy Olson, executive director of the Columbia County Board of Elections. ``It will encourage them (to vote) later in life.''

While state law doesn't call for the teens to have specific qualifications, Columbia County has adopted a policy for them.

Among the requirements for high school students wishing to participate are a teacher's recommendations, an A/B grade average and no school disciplinary problems. They must attend a training session.

In the future, students who volunteer might miss a day of school to work at the polls, but not this year, as Columbia County teachers will havean in-service work day on the Nov. 3 general election day.

There are 37 slots open. Mrs. Olson said the board of elections would like to have one teen at each of the county's precincts.

While the board of elections did send letters to the high schools informing them of the new policy, no teens have signed to work in the July 21 primaries or the general election.

``We've had some teachers looking around for us. It was late into the school year (when they were notified). Hopefully, we'll have some in the fall,'' she said.

It's still not too late to volunteer for the primaries. However, volunteers must participate in a poll worker seminar today at 7 p.m. in the Evans Government Complex Auditorium, Mrs. Olson said.

For information, call 868-3355.