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 during every election. We hire and train a select number of local high school students, ages 15 – 17, to work as election judges.

As a Student Election Judge, you’ll learn how democracy and elections work firsthand — and get paid while you do it. Boulder County Elections will train you to work alongside experienced election judges. You’ll also gain public service experience that looks great on college applications and resumes.

These are paid positions, including all training time. The pay rate is $21.44 per hour. Boulder County mails paychecks on the last business day of each month.

Eligiblity

To be a Student Election Judge, you must:

• Be a United States citizen
• Be 15, 16, or 17 years old* by Election Day and currently attending high school or home school
• Be in good academic standing as determined by school officials
• Have permission from a parent or legal guardian
• 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 second degree) on the ballot
• Complete online training
• Complete the hiring process, including the new hire paperwork

*Students who are 18 or older should apply for our Temporary Election Positions.

What do Student Election Judges Do?

Student Election Judges may do any of the following tasks at Vote Centers:

• Represent Boulder County Elections by greeting voters and helping manage lines
• Track and report how long voters wait in line
• Check ballot boxes, including making sure voters have sealed and signed their ballot envelope before they place it in the box
• Hand out “I Voted” stickers
• Maintain voting booths

Time Commitment

Participating students must complete two trainings and work assigned shifts:

• 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.
• In-person training the Saturday before Election Day
• Assigned shifts – Student Judges are required to work on Election Day. Optional shifts available after school.

More important information:

• Students must obtain permission from both their school and a parent or 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, fill out an application form. If you meet the eligibility requirements, our hiring staff will contact you. If you have never served as a Student Election Judge, you will participate in an online or in-person interview.

If selected, you’ll receive your paperwork by email. You’ll then need to complete a paperwork appointment in person at the office. The office runs a criminal background check on all new hires.

We are currently hiring for the 2026 General Election, so apply soon!