The bill amends existing election laws in Kansas to broaden the eligibility criteria for individuals serving as poll workers. Specifically, it prohibits disqualification based on residency or registered voter status for U.S. citizens who are active military members or their spouses and dependents. Additionally, it clarifies that while there are no restrictions on poll worker qualifications based on age, individuals must still meet other requirements, such as being a citizen of the United States and residing within Kansas. The bill also allows for the appointment of individuals as young as 16 years old to serve as election judges or clerks, provided they meet all other qualifications and have a recommendation from a school authority.

Furthermore, the bill introduces provisions for establishing a pool of trained judges and clerks who can serve at various voting locations, even if they do not reside in those areas, under certain conditions. It also allows judges and clerks serving outside their residential voting areas to vote via advance ballot or be excused from their duties to vote at their designated polling place. The bill repeals a previous section of law that mandated residency in the area served by the voting place for judges and clerks, thereby expanding the pool of potential poll workers.

Statutes affected:
As Amended by House Committee: 25-2804, 25-1119