The Harris County Clerk's Office has received international recognition for its Student Runner Program, earning the International Association of Government Officials (iGO) Innovator Award during the organization's annual conference in Reston, Virginia.

The award recognizes the Harris County Clerk's Office for developing an innovative program that introduces high school students to election administration while encouraging civic engagement and public service.

Student Runners working on election night of the 2026 Primary Runoff Elections.

 

Launched in 2022, the Student Runner Program was created to involve high school students in Election Night operations throughout Harris County. Managed by the Harris County Clerk's Office Outreach Team, the initiative recruits students from across the county, partners with local school districts and provides participants with hands-on experience in the coordination and logistics required to administer elections in the nation's third-largest county.

A distinguishing feature of the program is its family-centered approach. Parents and legal guardians have the opportunity to serve alongside participating students on Election Night, promoting civic participation across generations while strengthening families' involvement in the democratic process.

The Harris County Clerk's Office reports that many students return to the program for multiple election cycles, encourage classmates to participate and later transition into roles as election workers after graduating from high school.

To qualify, students must be at least 16 years old, be United States citizens, reside in Harris County and be enrolled in a public school, private school or homeschool program. A parent or legal guardian must complete a Parent Approval Form, and participants are required to attend a paid 1.5-hour training session before serving. Students earn $17 per hour for their Election Night work.

The international recognition highlights the Harris County Clerk's Office's continued focus on innovation, civic education and workforce development while helping prepare the next generation of election workers and community leaders. The program also supports the office's mission of delivering secure and accessible elections throughout Harris County.

Additional information about the Student Runner Program and other election services is available at HarrisVotes.com and through the Harris County Clerk's Office social media channels, @HarrisVotes.