OU to partner with local communities on poll worker training program

Oakland University’s Center for Civic Engagement will partner with three local communities – Pontiac, Auburn Hills and Rochester Hills – to help recruit and train OU students to be poll workers during the 2024 August primary and November general elections.   

These efforts will be funded by a $96,000 grant from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission as part of its Help America Vote College Poll Worker Program.

In Michigan, the need to recruit and train poll workers has grown more urgent after voters approved a ballot initiative mandating nine days of early voting. 

OU students, recruited through this program, can help fill this need, according to Dave Dulio, distinguished professor and director of OU’s Center for Civic Engagement.   

"This is a perfect example of how community engagement can work at OU. When we heard about this grant opportunity and discussed it with local clerks, we heard about the pressing need they have for poll workers,” said Dr. Dulio.  

“This is an opportunity for OU students to help meet that need, but also gain great experience as a critical part of our electoral process. Plus, students can make a few extra dollars by doing the work (up to $1,500 for both the August and November elections). In short, it's a win-win for communities and students." 

Students can sign up for the program using this Google Form.