Secretary Thomas Welcomes Next Generation of Poll Workers in Celebration of National Voter Registration Day

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09/17/2024

Secretary Thomas Welcomes Next Generation of Poll Workers in Celebration of National Voter Registration Day

(Storrs, CT) - Today, Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas celebrated National Voter Registration Day (NVRD) with the announcement of a first-of-its-kind civic initiative, "Next Gen Elections," a program aimed at building the future of Connecticut's elections, through the recruitment of college-aged civic leaders to serve as poll workers. Next Gen Elections will infuse the state's current ranks of election workers with enthusiastic, young civic ambassadors, during a time when nationwide poll worker shortages continue to increase, and Connecticut's need has grown with the addition of early voting.

Secretary Thomas made the announcement while on the campus of the University of Connecticut, which has 17 students in the program's first cohort of 40. Next Gen Elections participants will undergo the highest level of poll worker training, after which they will be available to serve at voting locations across Connecticut during this year's November 5^th general election. In a variety of roles, they will play a vital part in ensuring the state's elections are run safely and smoothly.

"Our office has been committed to promoting civic education and civic engagement for all of Connecticut's residents since day one, so we were thrilled that our program was selected in the competitive grant process," said Secretary Thomas. "The Next Gen program participants are bringing fresh perspectives and energy to our elections, and modeling what civic engagement looks like, not just for their peers, but for all generations."

According to the Pew Research Center, poll workers over the age of 60 comprise the largest percentage of poll workers nationwide, and many of those have left their roles due to health concerns prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic or have otherwise retired. Next Gen Elections gives young people the opportunity to make a difference in their community and get involved in our democratic process. The paid program will also serve to offset some of the cost to local towns for training poll workers.

In addition to the University of Connecticut, members of the 2024 Next Gen Elections program are enrolled at 11 other Connecticut schools: Albertus Magnus College, Central Connecticut State University, Connecticut State Northwestern, Eastern Connecticut State University, Quinnipiac University, Sacred Heart University, Trinity College, University of Hartford, University of New Haven, Wesleyan University, and Yale University. The inaugural cohort will be mentored by experienced registrars of voters from both major parties.

In 2025, Next Gen Elections will accept 20 more individuals into the program. Additional information about applying for 2025 will be released in the spring of that year. Funding for this two-year initiative was made possible by a Help America Vote College Program grant from the U.S. Elections Assistance Commission (EAC). Connecticut was one of 13 states to receive funding among 44 applicants.

More details about the Next Gen Elections program are available here. The public can find tips on the many ways to practice civic engagement by visiting PowerofCivics.CT.gov.

As part of NVRD, the UConn-Storrs campus sponsored a voter registration drive for eligible citizens to register to vote, and additional voter registration events are being held across the state in recognition of the day.

University of Connecticut Provost Anne D'Alleva said: "Voting is one of the most fundamental ways to engage in the civic process, and today's students are important participants in that process. National Voter Registration Day not only celebrates the responsibility and privilege of participating in our democracy but also encourages all individuals to be informed and active citizens, shaping the future of their communities and our country."

College campuses hosting voter registration drives and other activities in recognition of NVRD include:

Albertus Magnus College
Central Connecticut State University
Charter Oak State College
Connecticut College
Connecticut State Community College: Asnuntuck
Connecticut State Community College: Gateway
Connecticut State Community College: Housatonic
Connecticut State Community College: Middlesex
Connecticut State Community College: Naugatuck Valley
Connecticut State Community College: Three Rivers
Connecticut State Community College: Tunxis
Eastern Connecticut State College
Fairfield University
Goodwin University
Quinnipiac University
Sacred Heart University (to be held Sept. 21)
Southern Connecticut State University
Trinity College
University of Connecticut, Storrs
University of Connecticut, Waterbury
University of Saint Joseph
Yale University

September is National Voter Registration Month, and was established in 2002 by the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) as a non-partisan means of encouraging voter participation and increasing awareness about state requirements and deadlines for voting. Eligible voters who would like to register may do so in a variety of ways, including in-person at their local registrar's office, by mail, or online. More information is available at MyVote.CT.gov.

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