Committee advances bill allowing preregistered students to volunteer at polls for service hours

Representative Michael presented HB 461, a measure to allow registered and preregistered students to volunteer at polling locations and earn community service hours. He said the bill aims to boost civic engagement by giving students hands-on experience with election operations.

An amendment (barcode 490241) was adopted that defines community service and allows hours earned while volunteering at polls to apply toward high school graduation and scholarship requirements. The sponsor told the committee the change responds to prior feedback and clarifies implementation.

Public witnesses urged passage. Kiara Nixon of Equal Ground Action Fund testified that 16-year-olds want opportunities to volunteer at the polls and that volunteering provides “one of the greatest firsthand civics lessons.” Amy Keith of Common Cause waived in support, and other groups signaled support to increase the pool of poll workers.

The committee closed debate and took a roll-call vote; the Clerk announced the bill was reported favorably (24 yays). The sponsor asked for favorable support as a way to engage students and strengthen local election staffing.

Next step: HB 461, as amended, was reported favorably to the House calendar.