High school students serve as election judges in Cook County
Fifty students from Chicago Hope Academy worked polling stations on the West Side, helping voters despite being under 18.
By Andrew Hayes ·
Fifty high school students from Chicago Hope Academy served as election judges on Tuesday, checking identification and guiding voters at polling places across the city.
The students were too young to cast ballots, but they performed the administrative duties required to keep the voting process moving. They worked alongside adult election judges and staff from the Chicago Board of Elections.
The school, located at 2189 W. Bowler St., sent 50 upperclassmen to three polling locations on the West Side and other areas of Chicago. These 50 students represent more than half of the school's current junior class. The total student body at the school is 300.
History teacher Aidan Busch organized the program, which has been running for five years. He stated that the students were motivated by a desire to engage with the political direction of the country. Busch noted that he wanted to counter the perception that young people are disengaged from civic life.
The students received extra credit for the experience. According to Busch, they were also paid approximately $250 for their work on Election Day.
Alyssa Ruffin worked at Gregory Math & Science Academy in North Lawndale. She turned 18 on the day of the election. Ruffin said she wanted to help voters feel less anxious about the process. She mentioned that her interest in elections is tied to the women's suffrage and civil rights movements.
Jaida Wells, a junior who grew up in Austin, worked at Ella Flagg Young Elementary School at 1434 N. Parkside Ave. Wells said she noticed changes in local issues like taxes and potholes during her childhood. She wanted to be involved in the voting process to influence outcomes in her neighborhood.
Heaven Manning, also a junior, worked at John Hay Community Academy at 1018 N. Laramie Ave. Manning grew up within a few blocks of her polling station. She said the experience showed that her generation can participate in mature community roles even before reaching voting age.
Chicago Board of Elections officials stated that any high school junior or senior with an unweighted GPA of at least 3.0 can apply to be an election judge. The program is open to students who meet this academic standard.
Busch also organizes voter registration drives and field trips to Springfield. In February, U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon visited the school to promote U.S. history. The visit was part of a tour celebrating the country's 250th birthday.
