Future Vote Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)


Q,  What is Future Vote?
Future Vote was established by the Montgomery County Board of Elections in 2004 to promote civic engagement and increase current and future voter knowledge, and strengthen ties related to civic participation, while emphasizing the importance of preserving participatory democracy. As part of this initiative, the Board employs students as election aides, who assist at polling stations during federal and state elections held in even-numbered years.

Q.   What’s a Student Election Aide?
A student election aide, also known as a “Future Vote Ambassador,” is a student tasked with assisting polling places on Election Days or during Early Voting. This role is separate from the role of an election worker, because there are restrictions on the equipment ineligible voters may use. 

Q.   What are the responsibilities?
The responsibilities of student aides will depend on the needs at your polling place, but the goal is for students to help make the process smoother and easier for voters. Roles and responsibilities will be discussed during mandatory training. Dates, times and locations are provided during registration.

Q. How is my child's worksite selected?
Guardians assign students to locations based on need and availability, though you can select a preference when registering online.

Q.  How old do you have to be to serve as a Future Vote Ambassador?
Students must be in sixth through twelfth grade. However, high school students who are 16 years of age or older are encouraged to participate as
high school election workers.  Depending on the number of days served, high school election workers can earn up to a minimum $250 stipend or up to 25 Student Service-Learning (SSL) hours per full day. Individuals who served in the previous election cycle will receive a $100 bonus per full day served ($50 for part-day shifts), along with a great hands-on introduction to the democratic process.

Q.  Are there any other qualifications?
Students must live in Montgomery County, and homeschoolers are eligible. Parents must arrange transportation for students to training, meetings, and voting service.  Student election aides will not be released at shift’s end without a guardian present. Only U.S. citizens and registered voters may serve as election workers, but Future Vote Ambassadors do not need these qualifications. All volunteers must read, write, and speak English.

Q.  Is training required?
The Board of Elections will hold multiple training sessions countywide before the election. All student aides must attend with a parent or guardian. A representative will explain procedures at each session. Training can be scheduled during registration.

Q.  Are Student Election Aides Paid?
Student election aides earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for their work, not monetary pay. After the election, guardians receive an email with an SSL form showing hours worked. Students outside Montgomery County public schools may submit the appropriate form to the Board of Elections to get credit for equivalent SSL hours.

Q.  What other benefit can students earn from volunteering?
Serving as a student election aide gives students their first exposure to the actual logistics of the democratic process in the United States. Students leave the program with experience in how elections are set up and a greater understanding of and trust in American democracy.

Q. How long will my child be part of Future Vote if I register them?
Student election aides are employed during the corresponding election. If your child wishes to serve again during subsequent even years (example: 2026, 2028, 2030, etc.), you will have to go through the application and training process again. Students can serve as student election aides for as many elections as they like until they are old enough to serve as a high school election worker. To be an election worker individuals must be U.S. citizens, be at least 16 years of age or older, registered to vote, and live in Maryland.

Q. How to sign up?
Email your child's name, grade, and school to [email protected] to join the pre-registration list. Registration details and training info will be sent by email from late-March to early-April.