Citizens Union Foundation

Citizens Union Foundation of the City of New York (CUF), a nonpartisan force for good government, works to inform and engage the citizens of New York to ensure local and state government values its citizens, addresses critical issues, and operates in a fair, open, and fiscally sound manner. This fall Citizens Union Foundation will continue its sixth annual Poll Worker Recruitment Project in New York City. With the city gearing up for the 2008 Presidential Elections, it will be especially important that poll sites are well staffed on Election Day. Citizens Union Foundation hopes to assist the New York City Board of Elections ensure that the city is supplied with the 30,000 poll workers needed to staff the 2008 Primary and General Elections and an additional 8,600 to support the introduction of new ballot marking devices in every poll site this year.

This project is a great way to learn and understand New York City elections and politics, as well as an exciting and unique way to get involved in the upcoming elections. Our poll worker recruitment interns play a vital role in CUF’s success. In 2006 CUF was able to recruit over 3,000 poll worker applicants, 10% of the total needed to run an election in New York City. The following are some of the responsibilities of CUF’s Poll Worker Recruitment Program interns:

* Assist the Making Votes Count Project Manager in overseeing the project
* Maintain web postings and classified advertisements recruiting poll worker applications, as well as internet networking profiles
* Coordinate with community organizations and find events across the five boroughs to do active field recruiting of poll workers
* Help implement recruitment strategies, including writing public service announcements and press releases
* Process poll worker applications and assist in administrative duties of the program

We require interns to commit a minimum of 12 hours per week and are willing to work with your academic institution if you are interested in receiving credit. We do not offer paid internships; however, we provide a modest travel stipend for each day worked.

Qualifications: Writing, editing, research and communication skills relevant. Basic computer proficiency important. Knowledge of Access, FTP, Dreamweaver, and html helpful but not required. Foreign language fluency a plus, especially Spanish, Korean and Chinese. Interest in New York City and State politics, policy, and civic life necessary.

Application Instructions

Please submit a cover letter highlighting your experience and interests along with a résumé to pollworker@citizensunionfoundation.org; or Internship Coordinator, Citizens Union, 299 Broadway Suite 700, NY, NY 10007; or Fax: (212)-227-0345. Your cover letter should include what attracts you to this position, what skills you would bring to the internship, when you hope to start, and how much time you can spend with us. We accept applications throughout the year.