Bill > H0259

This bill amends existing law to revise provisions regarding the issuance of absentee ballots. The key provisions are: 1. Election officials cannot distribute absentee ballot applications or absentee ballots to voters without first receiving a request from the voter, except in the case of voters in a mail ballot precinct or as otherwise authorized by state or federal law. 2. The bill outlines the process for issuing primary ballots to affiliated, unaffiliated, and non-partisan voters, and restricts the ability to change a voter's party affiliation on an absentee primary ballot. 3. The bill allows absentee ballots to be delivered by postage prepaid mail or other appropriate means, including fax or electronic transmission. 4. The bill requires the Secretary of State to establish procedures for the transmission of blank absentee ballots to voters covered under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA). 5. The bill restricts candidates and their spouses from serving as witnesses in the personal delivery of absentee ballots. The bill has an emergency clause, meaning it will take effect on July 1, 2023.

Government Affairs

State Affairs Committee (House)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2023/legislation/H0259/