Almaden Resident

Education

Leland students going to the polls on Super Tuesday

By Emilie Crofton

Lately talk at Leland High School hasn't been about the upcoming dance. It's been about the upcoming elections on Feb. 5.

A number of seniors are training to serve as election officers through Santa Clara County's High School Election Officer Program.

"It will be cool to work behind the scenes and see all the work that is involved," says 17-year old Gabi Kirk. "It's a lot easier to understand the election process when you actually see it and take part in it."

As election officers, students will help ensure that the voting process goes smoothly by preparing the voting area and assisting individuals in the voting process.

Social studies teacher Megan Bergantz coordinates the 10-year-old program at Leland.

"This program gets students out of the classroom and into the experience," Bergantz says. "I call this real education and not just schooling."

Students say Bergantz's passion for politics is contagious and has created zeal among students during this year's 2008 elections.

"Seeing her attitude influences us and gets us more involved," Gabi says. "She teaches us that's it's not just learning about government but actually participating and standing up for what we believe in."

Students in the program will work half-day or all-day shifts and can be paid up to $125. The students have chosen to donate half of their proceeds to a charity, which will be chosen in May.

In the past 10 years the school has donated more than $10,000 to Doctors Without Borders and more than $3,000 to Heifer International.

The students' work in the program increases their awareness of the rights and responsibilities of voters and provides a better understanding of the election process while volunteering in their own neighborhoods, says Lance Nottle, student-election officer program coordinator.

"It's important to get young Americans involved in the process," Nottle says. " This program demystifies what goes on in polling. It's less intimidating for them."

Each student election officer must be at least 16 with a 2.5 or higher GPA and have permission from a parent and the school. The requirement that poll workers must be American citizens hasn't stopped students who are non-citizens. Those teens have gotten involved by working for a particular campaign by making phone calls and passing out fliers.

Several students, including Leland senior Jeff Doong , have developed a newfound interest in government because of the program.

"I was never interested in politics before, but learning what I have in government and being part of this program really changed me," Jeff says. "It's exciting to take what we learn in class and actually do it."

The 2008 campaign's focus on youth and change has helped boost the popularity of the upcoming elections, says senior Crystal Adams.

"It's a great revolution in terms of voting," Adams says. "This campaign is targeted on youth and getting us involved and understanding government."

Adams, 18, says she's excited that the day she can vote is finally here.

"Students are really into the elections this year because there are so many big issues that affect everyone," Adams says. "We want our voices heard."