Idaho Bill Allows Potential Jurors to Serve as Poll Workers

Legislation aims to address poll worker shortages by giving prospective jurors the option to work elections instead of jury duty.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Idaho Senate State Affairs Committee has approved a bill that would allow county clerks to request that prospective jurors be given the choice to serve as poll workers instead of jury duty. Those who volunteer as poll workers would be excused from jury service for the next two years.

Why it matters

The bill is intended to help address potential poll worker shortages by giving county clerks more flexibility to recruit from the pool of prospective jurors. Maintaining adequate staffing at polling places is crucial for ensuring smooth and secure elections.

The details

House Bill 560 was approved unanimously by the Senate committee and now heads to the full Senate for consideration. If passed and signed into law, the legislation would allow county clerks to request that the jury commission provide them with a list of prospective jurors who could opt to work the polls instead. Those who volunteer would then be excused from jury duty for the next two years.

  • The Senate State Affairs Committee approved the bill on Monday, March 9, 2026.
  • The bill previously passed the Idaho House with a 68-0 vote on an earlier date.

The players

Phil Hart

The Republican state senator from Kellogg who sponsored the bill in the Senate.

Idaho County Clerks

The county election officials who supported the legislation as a way to potentially address poll worker shortages.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Sen. Phil Hart, Bill Sponsor (Idaho Capital Sun)

What’s next

If approved by the full Idaho Senate, the bill would then go to the governor for signature or veto.

The takeaway

This legislation aims to provide county election officials with more flexibility to recruit poll workers, which is crucial for ensuring smooth and secure elections, especially in the face of potential worker shortages.