Student Democracy Program

Engage in a real world civic service opportunity: Become a Student Election Judge

The Boulder County Elections Division runs a Student Democracy Program for General and Coordinated Elections. We will be hiring and training a select number of local high school juniors and seniors, ages 16 and 17, to serve as Student Election Judges.

As a Student Election Judge, you will gain firsthand knowledge about democracy and the electoral process, all while getting paid. You will be trained by Boulder County Elections and work side-by-side with experienced election judges at one of our many Vote Centers across Boulder County. Plus, you will gain public service experience that looks great on applications and resumes!

These are paid positions (including all training time) with an hourly pay rate of $21.44. Your paycheck will be mailed to you on the last business day of the month.

Eligiblity

To be a Student Election Judge, you must:

• Be a United States citizen
• Be 16 or 17 years old* by Election Day (Nov. 4, 2025) and currently attending high school or home school as a junior or senior
• Be in good academic standing as determined by school officials
• Have parent or legal guardian consent
• Live in and/or attend school in Boulder County (including homeschooled students), the BVSD system, or the SVVSD system
• Be willing and able to serve your role for assigned work shifts
• Have never been convicted of an election offense or fraud
• Not have a family member (to the 2nd degree) on the ballot
• Complete online training
• Complete HR onboarding process, including the new hire paperwork

*18-year-old students should apply for our Temporary Election Positions.

What do Student Election Judges Do?

Student Election Judges perform any combination of the following tasks at our Vote Centers:

• Act as the face of Boulder County Elections, greeting voters and helping with line management
• Monitor and report on wait times for voter lines
• Monitor ballot boxes (e.g., check with voters to make sure they have sealed and signed their ballot envelope before placing it in the box)
• Distribute “I Voted” stickers
• Maintain voting booths

Time Commitment

Participating students must complete two trainings and work assigned shifts:

• In-Person Training – Saturday, Nov. 1 from 2 – 4 p.m.
• Self-Guided Online Training – This is a 3-hour self-guided training that you can complete from anywhere on your computer, laptop, tablet, or smart device.
• Assigned Shifts – Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025) is the only required shift with optional shifts available after school.

More important information:

• Students must obtain permission from both their school and a parent/guardian prior to training.
• Students must complete both of the above trainings before working their first shift.
• Students will work their Election Day shift at one of the Vote Centers in Boulder County.

How to Apply

To apply, students will fill out an application form (button below). Once you complete the form, and if you meet the eligibility requirements, our office will be in touch. Online or in-person interviews will be scheduled for new Student Election Judges.

If selected, paperwork will be emailed. A paperwork appointment must then be completed in-office. Criminal background checks will be performed on all new hires.