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Congressman Mike Garcia, R-Santa Clarita, introduced a bill Thursday that would allow veterans, military spouses and people with disabilities to be given preference when hiring election workers.
The Hiring Preference for Veterans and Americans with Disabilities Act would allow states to give preference to veterans, military spouses, or individuals with a disability to be election workers, officials said.

“Our veterans represent the very best of America,” Garcia said. “These are the Democracy-loving heroes who fought for our nation and embody the ideals we should all strive for every day: Bravery, commitment, and service. And it’s for that very reason states should be able to give their veterans a preference to be election workers.

The Hiring Preference for Veterans and Americans with Disabilities Act allows states to give preference to individuals who are veterans or individuals with a disability to be election workers.

It also allows states to give preference to nonresident military spouses or dependents for elections. Furthermore, it prohibits a state from refusing to hire a nonresident military spouse or dependent as an election worker solely on the grounds they do not live in that state.

“The federal government already grants veterans preference for jobs, and my bill would simply expand this small recognition of their service. It would also increase opportunities for military spouses, as well as Americans with disabilities, who suffer from high unemployment rates,” Garcia said. “I encourage all my colleagues – on both sides of the aisle – to join me in this effort to support those who have done so much to support us.”