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 residency requirements for poll workers, all judges and clerks must be U.S. citizens and reside within Kansas. The bill also allows individuals as young as 16 to serve as election judges or clerks, provided they meet other qualifications and have a recommendation from a school official.

Furthermore, the bill establishes provisions for a pool of trained judges and clerks who can serve at different voting locations if necessary, particularly when local recommendations are insufficient or when voting machines are used. It also allows judges or clerks serving outside their residential area 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.

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