Student Election Day Page Program

In 2000, the Virginia General Assembly enacted the Election Day Page program (VA Code § 24.2-604.)  This program combines community service with an opportunity to observe the election process in action.  Participating students may be placed according to precinct requests, where possible, and may or may not work in pairs.  Each Election Day Page will be presented with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Electoral Board for their participation in the program.  This program may count toward community service requirements.  

Purpose:

  • Stimulate an interest in elections and registering to vote.
  • Provide assistance to the Officers of Election.
  • Provide hands-on knowledge of elections and voting in Dinwiddie County.

Requirements for Participation:

  • High school student who is, or will be, 16-18 years old by November 7, 2023 (NOTE:  Students who will be 18 years old by Nov. 7th may apply for a paid Officer of Election position.)
  • Citizen of the Commonwealth of Virginia
  • Citizen of the United States
  • Have parent/guardian approval if under 18
  • Be recommended by a teacher or guidance counselor
  • Ability to stand for a long period of time
  • Remain impartial (shall not discuss politics, candidates, or issues)
  • Conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner
  • Receive training on the duties, responsibilities, and prohibited conduct of Election Day pages from a person designated by the local Electoral Board
  • Take an oath to faithfully perform their duties according to the law and the best of their abilities

Shifts:

  • 5:00 AM – 9:00 AM     
  • 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM    
  • 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM     
  •  4:00 PM – Close (sometime between 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM)

Duties as assigned by the Chief Officer of Election or their designee:

  • Provide assistance to the officers of election
  • Greet and direct voters
  • Ensure the safe entry and exit of elderly and disabled voters from the polling place 
  • Observe the electoral process
  • Seek information from the chief officer of election
  • Assist in the arrangement of the voting equipment, furniture, and other materials for the conduct of the election
  • At the direction, and under the direct supervision of the chief officer of election, assist in the counting of unmarked ballots
  • Distribute “I Voted” stickers
  • Monitor the curbside voting area

Pages will not be authorized to:

  • Check-in voters on the poll books;
  • Leave the polling place without notifying the Chief Officer of Election, and if they leave, they may not come back;
  • Use cell phone, camera, music player or other electronic devices while voters are present;
  • Enter any voting booth; and
  • Handle or touch any ballots, except when assisting in the counting of unmarked ballots.

Application