November 5, 2024 - Columbus Alternative High School (CAHS) senior Radha Long celebrated her 18th birthday on Oct. 28, marking her first opportunity to vote in a presidential election. Not only will Long cast her vote, but today, she will also serve as a poll worker for the Franklin County Board of Elections.

“I’m excited, and I feel like it will teach me something new,” Long said. “This is me fighting for democracy and actually doing something for the community.”

Long is one of 55 CAHS students spending Election Day working the election booth as part of Youth at the Booth, a program that allows 17-year-old high school students to work at voting precincts on Election Day.

Youth at the Booth began as a passion project for a group of CAHS Advanced Placement Government seniors disappointed by the 2004 presidential election, according to CAHS Social Studies teacher Sarah Thornburg. After researching the long wait times voters faced at precincts, the students decided to explore working at the polls. Eventually, they approached the Ohio General Assembly, leading to a law enacted in 2006 that allowed high school seniors who are at least 17 to serve as precinct officers on Election Day.

“It has become this institution to get young people active in hands-on civics early,” Thornburg said.

In Franklin County, Youth at the Booth participants must meet specific requirements: they must be at least 17, U.S. citizens, Franklin County residents, registered to vote if their birthday falls on or before Election Day, have reliable transportation, attend a mandatory interview and training, and be willing to work a 15-hour day.

On Election Day, program participants arrive at their assigned precincts by 5:30 a.m., where they help set up the voting location and assist voters throughout the day.

“I am really looking forward to making sure everyone has a chance to vote and making it more convenient for them,” Long said.

Since its inception, the Youth at the Booth program has expanded, said Hannah Francis, Franklin County Board of Elections Youth at the Booth Coordinator. This year, 29 Franklin County schools are participating, with over 550 students involved. Participants receive $25 for the interview and training and $133.72 for Election Day. Francis added that the experience enhances college applications and resumes.

The program benefits not only the students but also the Franklin County Board of Elections, which values the students' energy and adaptability with new technology, Francis said.

“They are some of our best workers,” Francis said. “Whenever we survey our polling managers, the feedback is that they did a fantastic job.”

CAHS students are eager to participate each year. Thornburg said that at least 40 students sign up annually, with siblings often passing down the tradition. One day, she anticipates her own child will join the program.

“I love that this is an annual rite of passage,” Thornburg said.