Three Mercy High School students—seniors Tess Brandenburg and Maria Chalkia and junior Khloe Stevenson—took on the role of election judges at Baltimore polling locations on Tuesday, despite not yet being old enough to cast a ballot themselves. The girls joined election officials and community volunteers at Leith Walk Elementary/Middle School in the Ramblewood neighborhood and at St. Leo the Great Roman Catholic Church in Little Italy, ensuring a smooth voting experience for Maryland voters.
Learning the Mechanics of Voting
Before heading to the polls, the students expressed excitement about learning how elections work. Tess said, “I think as a young woman, it is so important to understand how our government works. Even though I am not old enough to vote, I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn.” She added that she previously assumed only government officials ran elections.
Maria, an aspiring attorney and member of Mercy’s Law and Social Action Program, reflected on the experience, noting, “Serving on Election Day honestly made me feel very excited to vote in the future. Everyone was proud to cast a ballot and wanted their ‘I VOTED’ sticker.” She said many voters appreciated seeing young people at the station.
Khloe worked alongside another judge handling provisional ballots at St. Leo the Great. She explained the careful process required, stating, “After a provisional ballot is filled out, judges cannot touch it; we must guide the voter to fold and seal it properly before it goes into a secure bag.” She found the task more complex than expected but said it boosted her confidence in the voting system.
School’s Commitment to Civic Engagement
Mercy High School’s President, alumna Mary Beth Lennon (Class of 1985), praised the students’ service, saying, “Having these girls serve as election judges is a wonderful example of Mercy Girls and alumnae stepping forward to make a difference in their communities. Election participation goes beyond casting a ballot. By volunteering, they gained firsthand experience of how our democracy works and the importance of civic engagement.”
The Sisters of Mercy, who sponsor the school, emphasize education that extends beyond the classroom. This hands‑on involvement aligns with Mercy’s mission to develop critical thinking, lifelong inquiry, and courageous action among its 445 students, who come from 70 zip codes across Central Maryland and Southern Pennsylvania.
Impact on the Community
Voters at both locations reported positive interactions with the young judges. Many expressed that seeing high‑school students involved reinforced confidence in the electoral process and highlighted the value of community service. The students’ presence also underscored the message that civic responsibility does not wait for a voter’s age.
By participating in the election administration, the Mercy High School students helped uphold Maryland’s election procedures while gaining practical knowledge that will inform their future voting decisions. Their service demonstrates how faith‑based schools can foster responsible citizenship and support the democratic process at the grassroots level.
Original reporting: Baltimore Fishbowl — read the source article.
