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Some College of Charleston political science students aren’t just studying elections; they’re getting people to the polls and helping process results.
This election season, about 40 political science students at the College of Charleston are getting an inside look at how the democratic process works.
The juniors and seniors in POLI 339, a special topics course called Democracy in Action, held a voter registration drive on campus earlier this fall and are now engaging in training to become Charleston County’s newest certified poll workers.
“It’s a win-win for students and the County,” says political science professor Jordan Ragusa, noting that students become more civically active and leave class with practical job skills.
The nationally recognized partnership between the university and the Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections (BVRE) provides meaningful leadership and service opportunities ahead of Election Day, Nov. 3.
“The students have already completed Voter Ambassador training, which prepared them to conduct voter registration drives on campus and help their peers get ready to vote,” says Haley Oryell, community engagement manager for BVRE. “The Poll Manager training will build on that experience and focus on preparing them to work on Election Day,” she adds.
“The political science department at the College prides itself on experiential learning. Beyond the obvious election-season timing, this is a wonderful example of how we partner and prepare students to enter the workforce,” says Ragusa.
“This class provides a foundation in the history of elections in our nation and highlights different factors concerning voter turnout,” says student Juanita Rodriguez. “The training and the BVRE have emphasized the significance of informing citizens of their rights and options when it comes to elections,” she adds, noting how the trainings helped her see the necessity of nonpartisan poll workers in ensuring citizens receive a positive and fair experience while voting.
Student Alexa Scarpato says she’s excited for the chance to participate on Election Day. “I hope to witness the same passion exhibited each day in our Democracy in Action classroom: people fired up to participate in our democracy, an eagerness to learn more about our election systems and a drive to make things better for the future.”
Source: The College of Charleston
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