BOISE, ID – Potential jurors may have the option to instead work the election polls under a bill advancing in the Idaho Legislature.
The Senate State Affairs Committee on Monday approved House Bill 560, which would allow county clerks to request from the jury commission that prospective jurors be given the choice to be excused from jury duty to serve as poll workers.
Those who accept and volunteer as poll workers in an upcoming election would be excused from jury service for the next two years.
The bill now goes to the Senate floor for consideration. It passed the House 68-0 with two members absent, and if approved by the Senate, would go to the governor for a signature or veto.
Senate bill sponsor Sen. Phil Hart, R-Kellogg, said county clerks were in favor of the bill, which would allow them the option to seek more poll workers if they’ve determined there’s a shortage.
There was no public testimony on the bill at Monday’s hearing, and the committee approved it unanimously.
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