Students have the chance to work with the county of El Paso in collaboration with the Republican Party.
The Republican Party of El Paso has teamed up with the College Republicans in order to fill the positions of election clerks for the county’s upcoming elections.
All students are eligible to apply if they are registered voters. After applying, students will be contacted to determine if they will work for the upcoming elections.
Although it is too late to work for the Nov. 5 election, students may still apply and be hired for the primary election on March 4, 2014.
A special election will take place on Nov. 5, and registered voters can vote on nine constitutional amendments. These amendments were submitted by the 83rd Legislature of the state of Texas.
Junior history major and chairman of the College Republicans Moises Blankenship, said helping with the elections is a great opportunity.
The election administrator for the El Paso County Republicans Robert Peña, is working with the College Republicans to find students for the clerk positions.
“Any UTEP student can apply to be an election clerk. We handle those that are conservative in their views,” Peña said. “This is a very rewarding experience and it is a great way to serve your country. People die for the honor of being able to vote.”
Peña said youth are a valuable commodity to the Republican Party of El Paso because the average volunteer at the Republican Party is 70 years old.
“We love it when younger people are involved because they are quick to learn,” Peña said. “We get to engage with the younger community and we get to fill their minds with conservative values.”
The College Republicans have hung up signs encouraging students to apply for these positions.
The signs read, “Cut class and pick up $120.” Blankenship said cutting class is something that should not be highlighted.
“I didn’t really like this. I wish they would of ran that by me because it does sound bad, like we are endorsing people to ditch school,” he said. “But really, what it was trying to say is that since elections are usually the first Tuesdays in November, some people have class that day, so in other words you should get the day excused and you can work in this position and get $10 dollars per hour.”
Students interested in applying for the clerk position or becoming involved with the College Republicans should email [email protected].
Amanda Guillen may be reached at [email protected].
