Sixteen- and 17-year-olds could serve as poll workers in elections under legislation approved by the House on Friday.

Allowing some students to serve on precinct boards could help eliminate a shortage of poll workers in some counties, said the bill's sponsor, Rep. Jeff Steinborn, D-Las Cruces.

"We have an aging population of poll workers," said Steinborn.

County clerks appoint members of precinct boards.

No more than two students could work on a precinct board and they could not serve as a presiding judge at a polling location. Students likely would help people sign in at polling places, Steinborn said.

The bill passed the House on a 45-20 vote and was sent to the Senate for consideration.

Opponents said it's possible that students could be subject to verbal abuse or intimidation from would-be voters who become upset because of polling place problems.

Steinborn disagreed.

"We're always talking about how young people are not involved in politics. This is a learning laboratory where they can get involved," he said.

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The student poll worker bill is HB335.

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On the Net:

Legislature: www.legis.state.nm.us




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