Montgomery County Board of Elections: Insights from Dr. Gilberto Zelaya on Election Processes

Dr. Gilberto Zelaya, architect of Montgomery County’s groundbreaking youth civic engagement program, returns to Montgomery al Día to discuss the program’s expansion and its role in shaping the next generation of voters.

In a conversation recorded on May 12, 2026, Zelaya—now serving as the Community Outreach Liaison for the Montgomery County Board of Elections—spoke about the Future Vote Initiative, a program he conceived in 2004 and expanded countywide by 2006. The initiative trains 6th-12th grade students to assist voters at polling stations, bridging the six-year gap in Maryland where minors under 18 cannot legally vote but are also barred from participating in election-day activities.

Zelaya emphasized the program’s dual purpose: preparing young people for civic duty while addressing a critical gap in voter engagement. “In Maryland, children up to age 12 can accompany their parents into the voting booth, but there’s no structured way for older youth—ages 13 to 17—to engage,” he explained. “Future Vote fills that void by giving them hands-on experience in democracy while reinforcing the importance of voting for their families.”

The program’s impact extends beyond the polling booth. Parents frequently report gaining newfound civic knowledge through their children’s participation, with some inspired to register to vote or even become election judges themselves. Zelaya noted that the initiative has also fostered community dialogue about voting rights and accessibility.

While the program originated in Montgomery County, Maryland, Zelaya’s work has drawn national attention. His recent appearances—including on Montgomery al Día—highlight efforts to replicate the model in other jurisdictions, particularly in states with similar civic engagement gaps.

As elections approach in 2026, Zelaya stressed the urgency of youth involvement: “Democracy thrives when every voice is heard, and Future Vote ensures that the next generation isn’t just watching elections—they’re shaping them.”

For more on civic engagement programs, visit the Montgomery County Board of Elections.