California has announced a plan to recruit noncitizen teenagers to serve as poll workers in upcoming elections.
Under the new initiative, students as young as 16, including lawful permanent residents who are not U.S. citizens, are eligible to assist in voting operations.
Designated duties include checking voters against official rolls, distributing ballots, operating election equipment, helping voters throughout the day, and closing polling locations.
State officials have admitted that they do not currently track the exact number of noncitizen teenagers employed in these sensitive roles.
The recruitment program is outlined in a letter signed by the Secretary of State and the State Superintendent, which was sent to county superintendents, charter school administrators, and high school principals.
The letter specifies that eligible students must be at least 16 years old, either U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, and maintain a minimum 2.5 grade point average.
Critics argue that allowing noncitizens to perform frontline election duties raises concerns about election integrity and public trust.
The move marks a departure from traditional eligibility requirements, making citizenship optional for certain poll worker positions.
The program will take effect for the upcoming general election scheduled for November.
