If there are youngsters in Grimes County interested in working the governmental side of this years’ and future years elections, then the Grimes County Elections Administrator’s Office has a great opportunity for gaining some experience.
Elections administrator Lucy Ybarra spoke at last week’s meeting of Commissioner’s Court about a long awaited initiative they have wanted to try: hiring high schoolers from throughout the county help with election day.
“The goal here, is to establish young people and young adults interested in elections, and establish more workers in our community, which will stay, and work for longer periods of time,” said Ybarra. “We know a lot of our workers are aging out, and we are having a tough time filling those roles. This also gets the kids involved, interested in local economics, and things going on. Kind of makes them buy-in a little more.”
She says they hope to work with all four districts, Navasota ISD, Anderson-Shiro CISD, Iola ISD, and Richards ISD.
They already have four students in Iola ISD interested, who will be assisting them on election day up there. But, they are still looking elsewhere for any interested students.
Ybarra was asked about hiring kids under 18 years of age, and discussed with County Judge Joe Fauth.
“It does say they have to be at least 18 years of age, or if they are under 18, they need something from the school to approve this. The young adults, that are 18, will still have to meet qualifications…present ID, social security card…things to become a temporary worker,” said Ybarra. “And that would come out of my Fund 10 or FUnd 55 budget.”
“So, you pay 16 year olds or 60 year olds out of the same fund?” asked Fauth.
“Yes,” said Ybarra. “And, we will pay them $10 an hour.”
“That cool, get out of school, and get paid $10 an hour,” said Fauth.
Ybarra also noted it is not political party specific, and that they plan to utilize the program right away.
Commissioner’s approved the hiring of high schoolers through the election administrator’s office.
For questions on that program, contact their office at 936-873-4404.
