Zach Price works hard to make sure everyone has the right to vote.
Price is the regional coordinator for the Campus Vote Project. The non-partisan organization works to recruit poll workers to ensure the polls are properly staffed for election’s day. He says much of that support is coming from younger voters, especially on college campuses.
“Young people overwhelmingly want ways to be involved. So, a lot of the work we do is just handing young people the resources to get involved and then letting them do it,” said Price.
In 2018, half of the volunteers that signed up to become poll workers were over the age of 60. In 2020, a year where the elderly is considered one of the most vulnerable groups because of corona virus, there have been higher turnouts of Millennials and Gen. Z voters to volunteer on election day. According to Price, having polls staffed with younger demographics helps resolve both issues of crowds and representation.
“I think it’s a good thing to show up to the polls to see people who looked like you, who are there to help,” said Price.
Most counties in the Tampa Bay area have seen a surge in poll workers for the general election. Long lines on polling days disenfranchise those who don’t have time to wait, such as students. For Price, it’s all a way to give back and help democracy.
“I have a passion for giving back to my community. Providing young people, a chance to really get involved and organizing their community is one of the most important things I could be doing right now,” said Price.
For more information visit Power the Polls’ website.
