Coe College employees will get paid time off to staff poll sites
Coe College faculty and staff will receive paid time off to serve as poll workers on Election Day, November 3. The college is encouraging any employee interested to help support poll sites that may be facing staffing issues due to COVID-19.
“We believe Coe can create more equity in the voting process this election year by stepping in to help our community. It’s important to acknowledge the unique challenges this pandemic poses. The health risks for older or high-risk poll workers affects volunteerism and increases the risk of fewer polling places. When this happens, it disproportionately affects voting access for low-income and marginalized communities, who historically experience longer waiting times and less polling locations. We can increase the amount of poll workers serving to minimize barriers to all citizens casting their ballot,” said Kris Bridges, associate vice president for human resources.
While Coe has a long-standing commitment to civic engagement and ensuring employees are able to cast their vote, this is the first election for which the college is partnering with Linn County to staff polling sites in need of workers.
“This initiative came together through a collaboration between the Office of Human Resources, the Office of Community and Civic Engagement and Coe’s senior staff. This idea was generated at multiple levels of the organization. It’s exciting to see our Coe community on the same page in support of this initiative and ensuring equitable access to participating in the election process,” Bridges said.
Coe also works with students to participate in civic engagement such as voter registration and voting resources.
Coe College offers superb academics and exciting cocurricular activities in a thriving urban setting that promotes student growth and success. Established in 1851, Coe has a national reputation for academic excellence enhanced by a student-centered, highly supportive campus environment. Coe’s vibrant Cedar Rapids location provides an abundance of internships for students and career opportunities for graduates.