COLUMBUS — Ohio’s Aug. 2 primary election for state legislative and party central committee candidates officially kicked off June 17 when military and overseas ballots were mailed out to Ohioans stationed or working abroad.

Because Ohio will hold two primaries roughly three months apart this year, the challenge of recruiting the poll workers needed to administer the primary is expected to be more demanding.

On Thursday, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose helped expand Ohio’s poll worker recruitment efforts by notifying the state’s 88 boards of elections that 17-year-olds who have completed their junior year in high school are eligible to serve as poll workers in the Aug. 2 primary. Prior to the guidance issued yesterday, there was ambiguity as to whether a student was considered a senior upon the immediate conclusion of their junior year or upon entering their senior year in the fall. Yesterday’s guidance provides the boards with an additional option available to meet their poll worker needs.

Under Ohio’s Youth at the Booth program, students will earn at least $100-$150 for their time. They may also be eligible for community service hours, extra credit in school, and get a boost to their college applications.

Further, civic participation provides hands-on learning, fosters future civic involvement, and improves the elections process. As part of the guidance, boards of elections have been encouraged to work with local schools to develop a recruitment program for these students.