TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab wants to recruit people as young as 16 to volunteer as poll workers in the November election because he is concerned about a second wave of coronavirus infections that could hit in the fall.
Schwab told The Topeka Capital-Journal that young people are generally less likely than older workers to become ill with COVID-19 and are more comfortable with technology needed to check voters.
While he expects the rate of confirmed new cases to drop in time for the August primary, Schwab said he is concerned that a second wave of the virus could hit the state around the time of the November general election.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
County clerks are being urged to send mail-in ballots to every registered voter in an effort to reduce lines at polling sites. The costs of increased mail-in ballots will be covered by federal aid, Schwab said, and other funds will be used to buy gloves, masks and sanitizer for poll workers.
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Court operations
Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Marla Luckert issued six new administrative orders concerning the operation of the state’s court system as Kansas begins to gradually reopen.
Luckert extended deadlines, time standards and other speedy trial provisions in municipal courts that have been closed by the coronavirus until the courts can reopen and reasonably place cases on their calendars.
She also authorized the use of telephone or visual communication in court proceedings, as long as they follow the U.S. and Kansas Constitutions.
Another order acknowledges that local officials may impose more stringent standards than those issued by Gov. Laura Kelly.
