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House debates precinct-size rules and whether 17-year-olds may serve as election judges; amendments pass
Summary
Lawmakers debated amendments to an elections bill to increase precinct sizes, allow some precinct combinations to reduce costs and permit 17-year-olds (who will become 18 by the general election) to serve as election judges; members raised concerns about rural travel burdens, caucus representation and electronic-voting risks; floor divisions passed amendments and the bill moved to the Senate calendar.
Representative Pace and others framed changes intended to bring state elections law into compliance with federal standards and reduce county costs by allowing larger precincts and certain precinct combinations where ballots are identical. Sponsors said the changes would give clerks flexibility and reduce the number of polling places and voting machines; critics warned larger precincts could disenfranchise rural voters and shrink grassroots representation at precinct caucuses.
Representative Peterson moved Amendment #3, which he described as intended to protect rural voters and give local clerks discretion. Members questioned whether that discretion could force long travel distances for some voters; Peterson responded that clerks are elected officials who understand local conditions. The House divided portions of the amendment, and the motion passed by division (numerical tallies not specified in the transcript).
Separately, Representative Hansen offered an amendment to restrict 17-year-old election-judge participation. Floor debate focused on whether allowing 17-year-olds who will turn 18 by the general election to serve would permit them to serve in primaries and whether youth participation posed a risk with electronic balloting. Sponsors argued the change restores earlier language to encourage civic engagement and that training and rules limit risk; opponents cautioned about lowering the age threshold from 18.
After debate and division votes, the House cleared the amendment questions, recorded the procedural votes and moved the bill to the Senate third-reading calendar for further consideration.
