Montgomery County Board of Elections

MONTGOMERY COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS LAUNCHES RECRUITMENT FOR THE “FUTURE VOTE” PROGRAM

The Montgomery County Board of Elections is seeking school-age students, grades 6-12, to participate in its “Future Vote” Program. Interested students can choose to serve as Election Day Ambassadors or Election Poll Workers.

Election Day Ambassadors: The Future Vote Program is available to all Montgomery County students grade 6-12. U.S. citizenship is not a pre-requisite, but students must be able to speak, read, and write the English language. Students with bilingual and American Sign Language skills are encouraged to apply.

This initiative combines civic participation and the opportunity to observe democracy in action. Volunteers will earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for their service. Training is required for both student and guardian.

Details and volunteer expectations provided at training scheduled to take place during May 2026. Interested guardians may register their child(ren) by May 29, 2026. To apply online, text FV to 77788 or for more information, visit 777vote.org and select the Future Vote tab.

FUTURE VOTE INITIATIVE

What is Future Vote? Future Vote’s intent is to increase current and future voter knowledge, educate and strengthen ties related to civic participation for Montgomery County’s youth and families by actively providing an opportunity for civic duty, community involvement, and emphasizing the importance of preserving participatory democracy.

What is a Student Election Aide? Student Election Aides dispense voting-related literature, pick up trash, indicate restrooms and polling-room exits and help voters in wheelchairs. Student Election Aides are required to be sensitive and polite with all voters, including those with special needs and, if possible, provide information and /or assistance in a second language or in American Sign Language. 

What are the time commitments? 

On Election Day (grade 6-12) or during early voting (grade 8-12) students serve a 3-hour shift and are placed in precincts determined by their parents/guardians. At their assigned precinct, participants assist with pre-Election Day preparations to broaden their voting experience and knowledge in all facets of Election Day preparation, coordination and implementation.

• Mandatory Training: 1 hour (Dates listed during online registration and parent/guardian participation is mandatory.)
• Monday Evening Precinct Set-up (6PM-8PM): MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2026
• Parent/guardian and student participation is mandatory for student to serve on Election Day. NO exceptions.
• Election Day Service TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2026: one 3-hour shift; student only. Guardians MUST drop-off, and pick-up student(s) before/after shift start.
  • Shift: 6AM-9AM
  • Shift: 9AM-12PM
  • Shift: 12PM-3PM
  • Shift: 3PM-6PM
  • Shift: 6PM-9PM

What are the responsibilities? 

• Uphold integrity of elections
• Set up the polling place as directed by Chief Judge
• Assist voters as directed by the Chief Judge
• Greet voters, clearly, articulately, offer assistance and/or voter information
• Be aware of and offer suggestions for voters having difficulty with standing
• Provide voters with verbal direction to place cards in box
• Inform voters of the following prohibited activities
• Smoking
• Talking on cellular phones
• Taking photos and/or video recordings of voters voting
• Handing out partisan literature and/or expressing partisan opinions
• Pets (“Service animals are permitted!”)

What training is required? All Student Election Aides and a Parent/Guardian must attend a 1-hour mandatory training to participate; even returning Future Vote volunteers.

Are Student Election Aides paid? 

No! Student Election Aides earn Student Service-Learning hours (SSL). Documentation of all service performed will be sent via e-mail after the election is certified. Students must submit the service form to the SSL Coordinator at school. Future Vote has been pre-approved by the Montgomery County Volunteer Center and MCPS. Alternate forms may be submitted for approval by students not enrolled in MCPS.

• Mandatory Training: 1 hour = 1 SSL
• Monday evening precinct set-up (6PM-8PM): 2 hour(s)= 2 SSL
• Election Day Service: 3 hours = 3 SSL  

How do I become a Student Election Aide? 

• Parent/guardian must apply on-line
• 6th-12th grade student enrolled in school located in Montgomery County, MD
• Program available to all students within a public, private, independent, religious, or home-school setting
• Students, 16 years and older, are encouraged to serve as an Election Judge. Individuals need to be U.S. Citizens and registered to vote in Maryland. If interested, please email Dr. Zelaya to receive an Election Judge Application and a Voter Registration Application (future.vote@montgomerycountymd.gov).