Immigrants who are not U.S. citizens could serve as poll workers in California under one of several election-related bills that passed the state Assembly on Thursday. As many as five noncitizens could volunteer in a precinct under AB817 from Assemblyman Rob Bonta, D-Alameda. Those poll workers must be legal permanent U.S. residents. Bonta said allowing immigrants to serve as poll workers would increase the number of bilingual volunteers who could assist voters.
“In America, the right to vote is fundamental, regardless of the level of English-language proficiency of the voter,” Bonta said.
The Assembly passed the bill Thursday on a vote of 48-22, sending it to the Senate. Several Republicans opposing the bill said serving as a poll worker is a responsibility that should be reserved for citizens.
Lawmakers also approved a bill that would prohibit paying someone to register voters for a particular political party and another that would determine whether a primary write-in candidate qualifies for the general election ballot.
Full Article: SACRAMENTO, Calif.: Assembly passes several election-related bills | State | SanLuisObispo.com.