Blending research and action, 73 students led by a political scientist received training in Rapid Ethnographic Assessment, to add research observations to their work as bilingual poll workers in the 2006 election.
Focus groups after Election Day collected their experiences and recommendations, which were shared with collaborating election officials. This project was funded by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission to engage college students in elections.
Additional details
Bilingual students from University of Texas, El Paso signed up as poll workers, receiving training in both research and election procedures. Election officials placed the students in polling places around the county, assisting Spanish-speaking voters who make up two thirds of the county’s registered voters. The students also brought their knowledge of computers and comfort with technology. The project supported civic engagement among the Latino community through:
- Better access to bilingual election assistance for voters
- Better support for voting technologies for both voters and election workers
- A stronger sense of civic duty through participation for the students
- An ability to engage other young and first-time voters
The students’ were able to add their cultural knowledge to their first-hand experience in the election to make recommendations for how election officials can work with the community for more inclusive elections.
This project demonstrated the positive outcomes of a collaborative project blending civic engagement and applied research.