Prohibiting the disqualification of active military members, spouses or other dependents as poll workers by county election officers on the basis of residency or registered voter status.
Impact
If enacted, HB 2018 will modify existing regulations concerning the eligibility of poll workers, most notably ensuring that active military members and their immediate families are not excluded based on where they live or their voter registration status. This change has the potential to increase the number of available poll workers, particularly in communities with a significant military presence. By facilitating the involvement of military families in this important civic duty, the bill seeks to enhance the democratic process.
Summary
House Bill 2018 focuses on the qualifications of poll workers, specifically addressing the disqualification of active military members and their families. The bill stipulates that neither the secretary of state nor any county election officer can disqualify individuals from serving as poll workers based on their residency or registered voter status if they are active military members or their spouses or dependents. This provision aims to broaden the participation of military personnel in electoral processes and ensure that their service does not hinder their ability to serve in such civic roles.
Contention
While the bill aims to increase participation from military families, it may also raise questions about the broader implications of residency requirements for poll workers. Critics might argue that allowing individuals who do not reside in the area to serve as poll workers could lead to challenges related to local knowledge and community engagement. However, proponents assert that the unique circumstances of military families necessitate these changes, arguing it is an essential step toward inclusivity in election administration.
Prohibiting the disqualification of certain individuals as election poll workers by county election officers on the basis of residency or registered voter status.
Requiring voting and vote tabulation by hand and prohibiting electronic poll books or electronic or electromechanical voting or tabulation systems after January 1, 2024, mandating legislative approval of certain election matters and providing for the reporting of vote counts to the secretary of state and publication of the vote counts by the secretary.
Requiring county election officers to assign registered voters whose residence has no corresponding mailing address to the voting precinct where the residence of such voter is located.
Specifying when boards of directors for irrigation districts of 35,000 or more acres may conduct board member elections by mail ballot and establishing the terms for such members.