The CT Secretary of the State’s office is launching the second year of an exciting program for college students called Next Gen Elections. We’re looking for 30 civic-minded college students around the state who want to learn more about the democratic process, gain leadership skills, and serve their communities during the 2025 municipal elections as poll workers.
We had great success in the first year of the program with our 2024 Cohort. Registrars of Voters across the state found students to be invaluable additions to their teams, noting that they were “beyond wonderful” and “highly motivated.” Students were thrilled with their experiences, with nearly 70% indicating that they were very likely to return to election work after the program and over 80% indicating that the program has motivated them to vote in every election and be more civically engaged.
Next Gen Elections provides:
- Moderator-level poll worker training, giving students all the tools they need to run a voting location or serve in any poll worker position, as well as:
- Development of leadership skills and a deeper understanding of the democratic process
- Unique résumé-building experiences
- Amazing networking opportunities with election officials, town leaders, and the office of the Secretary of the State
- A Registrar of Voters to serve as the student’s mentor throughout their training
- A virtual kick-off and a post-election in-person convening for training and networking
- Payment for their hours of training as well as their hours working at the polls
- Travel reimbursement for trainings, working hours, and post-election convening
Requirements
- There are no GPA or major requirements for this program, but we are looking for motivated students who are excited to serve in a leadership role in the community.
- Students must be enrolled in a CT college or university in the 2025-26 academic year.
- Students must be eligible to work in the U.S., 18 or older, and registered to vote in CT by 10/20/25.
How to Apply
Click here for the link to our Next Gen website and application, or see the attached file (marked “to email”) for additional information, FAQs, and a link to the application. Please share this opportunity with widely! I am also attaching a more print-friendly option if you would like to post or share physical copies on campus.
Applications are due by midnight on Friday, March 28. Civic engagement is a valuable life lesson, and we encourage students of all disciplines to apply, not just those who foresee a career in government.
Compensation
$18 per hour; includes training.
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