On the 2024 Election Day, Candice Muench is volunteering her Advanced Placement Government class to help run the election polls. Each student will be arriving at 6 A.M. and staying until 8 P.M. when voting is closed. They’ll be in pairs of two, all spread throughout different locations.
While running the polls, students will be walking voters to the voting machine to make sure the voter matches the name present on the screen. Along with the voting machine, these students will be checking voters in and working the poll book.
The GNA Insider interviewed Mrs. Muench about the student’s public participation.
Name: Candice Muench
How long have you been doing this civic engagement project?
This project has been a part of AP Government and Politics since 2019.
What do you have students do in order to prepare for Election Day?
Students study concepts like the electoral college, how to analyze polls, campaign events, and party platforms.
Why do you believe this is an important event for students to participate in?
Voting is a fundamental bedrock of our democracy. Spending the day at the polls allows students to engage with community members and gain incredible insight into our election system here in Pennsylvania.
How do you think students benefit from this project?
Students serve a vital role in the election process. They aren’t just observing for the day they are working to ensure every vote counts.
What advice would you give to young voters?
The rights you have today did not come easy and are not guaranteed to sustain the test of time. Your vision for the future of our country is only alive when you participate in our democracy, so vote in every election!
Why is voting important?
Voting is an American tradition that citizens have participated in for decades. It is your chance to safely and anonymously choose who you think should be in office. Voting is important because you get to choose whoever best supports your way of living.
One vote can change an outcome. It’s better to submit a vote for a candidate that follows your ideals and morals rather than to not vote at all. Your vote has the opportunity to sway an election. It is your right to vote for whoever you want. It’s your civic duty to participate in democracy and fight for your rights.
Who should I vote for?
When voting, you should do your own research. Make sure to use reliable sources when researching. If you feel extremely clueless, there are voting guides you can follow. Consider your values and what you prioritize. Then, determine which candidate follows your standards the most. Vote for who you believe is the best fit to be in office.
Here are some reliable resources you can use to make an educated decision:
