Bill > HF590

This bill makes several changes to Iowa's election laws, including: - Establishing new penalties for election officials who fail to perform their duties or follow guidance issued by the state commissioner of elections. - Increasing the signature requirements for certain types of nomination petitions. - Expanding the state commissioner of elections' authority to provide guidance and oversee county election officials. - Requiring the state registrar of voters to conduct regular verification of the statewide voter registration file and audit county voter list maintenance activities. - Shortening the timeline for when absentee ballots can be sent to voters and when satellite absentee voting stations can be established. - Restricting who can return a completed absentee ballot, and requiring the use of ballot drop boxes that meet certain security standards. - Imposing fines on county election officials for certain violations and allowing for their suspension from office. The bill is intended to strengthen election integrity and address issues with absentee voting and voter list maintenance.