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College Students Powering the Polls
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Applications for the 2025 cohort have closed.
About our 2025 Cohort
In the second year of the Next Gen Elections program, the 2025 Cohort was made up of both returning and new students. With enthusiasm and experience, students served in pivotal poll worker positions across the state and set an example for anyone looking to get more civically engaged. Students in our 2025 Cohort:
- Attended 18 colleges and universities across the state
- Represented 32 towns and 7 counties in Connecticut
- Spoke 13 languages other than English
- Worked over 1,200 hours during the 2025 primary and general elections!
About our 2024 Cohort
We are proud of the work of our 2024 Cohort, particularly their service as poll workers to the state of Connecticut and its municipalities. Students in our 2024 Cohort:
- Attended 12 colleges and universities across the state
- Represented 21 towns and 5 counties in Connecticut
- Spoke 7 languages other than English
- Worked over 800 hours during the 2024 general election!
What is the Next Gen Elections program?
Are you a college student in Connecticut looking to get involved in our democracy, make a difference in your community, and get paid in the process? Become a part of the next generation of election workers!
The Next Gen Elections program trains college students to be poll workers at the Moderator level throughout the state of Connecticut. It takes thousands of poll workers to make elections run smoothly and securely, with Moderators leading the charge at each voting location!
Why should I join the Next Gen program?
- Participate in unique résumé-building experiences
- Develop leadership skills and a deep understanding of the democratic process
- Access amazing networking opportunities with election officials and town leaders
- Learn how to engage other young people by serving as a program ambassador
- Get paid $18 per hour while helping your community!
We welcome applicants who meet the following criteria:
- Enrolled in a college or university in Connecticut in the 2025-2026 school year
- Age 18 or above and registered to vote in Connecticut
- Eligible to work in the United States
- Able to remain nonpartisan and committed to treating everyone with dignity and respect
What are the expectations for Next Gen participants?
- Complete pre-election training (approximately 8 hours, primarily virtual)
- Work at least 20 hours per year during the 2025 general election
- Attend a virtual kickoff meeting and a post-election convening in January 2026
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This program is presented by the Office of the Secretary of the State and supported by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission’s Help America Vote College Program.