Committee hears bill to let active-duty military, spouses serve as poll workers despite nonresident registration

The House Committee on Elections heard testimony on House Bill 2018, a bill that would prevent the secretary of state or any county election officer from disqualifying an individual from serving as a poll worker on the basis of residency or registered‑voter status if the person is a U.S. citizen and an active military member, spouse or dependent.

The reviser summarized the bill by noting it “relates to the qualification of poll workers” and that existing statute already allows 16‑year‑olds to serve. The reviser said the bill “provides that the secretary of state nor any county election officer shall disqualify any an individual from serving as a poll worker... if the individual is a citizen of The United States and an active military member or spouse or other dependent.”

Proponents said the change would address a practical barrier for military families who are stationed in Kansas but maintain…