Fayette County Honors First Student Poll Worker

Uniontown, PA- When Malia Faff signed up to be Fayette County's first student poll worker, she knew she could make a difference in her community.

"My mom is super involved with elections, and she's been a poll worker for years now. I've kind of been around it all my life and knew the people who were doing it, so when they needed help, I decided it would be a really good opportunity to get into it and see what it was all about," Faff said. "I recognized how I could make an impact. It feels really weird to be the first one. I thought someone else would want to jump at the opportunity, because it's a really cool thing to do."

Faff, a 2024 Connellsville Area High School graduate, served at the Bullskin Township 3 precinct at Bear Rocks Community Club during the April 23 Pennsylvania Primary Election. She passed out voting cards and pens, helped voters check in and assisted with ballot-sorting procedures when the polls closed.

Fayette County commissioners Scott Dunn, chairman; Vince Vicites and Dave Lohr presented Faff with a certificate honoring her efforts during their monthly meeting Thursday. Election Bureau Director Marybeth Kuznik said it's "absolutely fantastic" that Faff paved the way for other student poll workers.

"It's so important that young people get involved in our elections. We need our next generation of citizens to step up and keep our democracy going for the future," Kuznik said. "Malia is a real pacesetter for that, and we hope that she will inspire other young people to become poll workers in Fayette County."

To qualify, a student must be 17 years old, a United States citizen and Fayette County resident. Written permission to serve from both their school principal and a parent or guardian is required, along with attendance at poll worker training. Additionally, students must provide their own transportation and be available to serve all day on Election Day, from approximately 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

"Serving as a student poll worker is a great opportunity to get involved and learn about elections and how they work. Student poll workers also make a real difference, because without our poll workers, we would have no elections; and without election, we would not have our great country," Kuznik said. "And, of course, students - as well as adult poll workers - do get paid a stipend for helping out."

Faff said her favorite part of being a student poll worker was "getting to know more people" in her area - especially those who "tend to keep to themselves."

"It's a great way to meet new people. You get to connect with your community and learn about who's involved in politics. You'll meet people you didn't even know were your neighbors," Faff said. "Some voters even joined the community club while they were there voting, so making those connections helps with a lot of things they're working on, too."

An honors student, Faff enjoys swimming, hiking and reading. She works part-time at Total Cleaning and is currently interning with Attorney Tyler Schultz. She plans to attend Seton Hill University, followed by Duquesne Law School, where she hopes to specialize in criminal and juvenile law.

"I really like getting to do this internship, because it lets me learn what the legal system is really about," Faff said. "Seeing how there's not a lot of women in law, I'll definitely try to make a big impact with that, and being able to help kids would be an amazing opportunity."

Faff lives with her parents, Ronald and Heather Faff, and brother, Zachary Faff, in Acme. While she plans to serve as a poll worker in as many elections as possible, she's also excited to vote for the first time in the November 2024 General Election.

"It definitely plays a role in our future. Everyone should vote, because you can help decide who's running our country and, if you're not happy with it, you can be the one to make the change," she said. "Go out and vote to make sure you have a voice and make sure the world isn't going to come crashing down because of who's in charge."

Those interested in becoming student poll workers should notify their school principals before calling the Fayette County Election Bureau at 724-430-1289; or emailing [email protected].

To learn more about Fayette County, visit www.fayettecountypa.org.

Editor's Note:Photo attached (Malia Faff)

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This communication, among other initiatives, is funded through the 2016 Fayette County Local Share Account (LSA) in cooperation with the Fayette County Board of Commissioners, Fayette Chamber of Commerce, The Redevelopment Authority of the County of Fayette, The Redstone Foundation and other partners. This funding has been designated for the continued promotion and marketing of Fayette County, PA.

For more information, contact Kristi Kassimer Harper, Public Relations Specialist, at 724-437-4571, [email protected] or Kaylie Glaze, Community Relations Coordinator, at 724-430-1200 Ext. 1611, [email protected].