Bill > H0139

This bill amends Idaho's absentee voting laws to clarify and restrict the conditions under which voters can request and receive absentee ballots. The bill expands and specifies seven specific circumstances under which a registered voter may vote by absentee ballot, including active military service, illness or disability, work or university attendance, being out of the county on a religious mission, occupying a second home outside their home county, being 65 years or older, or living in a mail ballot precinct. Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions that prohibit both election officials and voters from misrepresenting absentee ballot eligibility requirements. The legislation also mandates that absentee ballot applications must be requested directly by the voter, cannot be prefilled, and must include specific information such as the voter's circumstances necessitating an absentee ballot. The bill further clarifies existing rules about party affiliation for primary elections and maintains existing requirements about application deadlines and submission methods. By declaring an emergency, the bill takes effect immediately upon passage and approval, indicating the legislature views these changes as urgent and necessary for the upcoming election cycle.

Government Affairs

State Affairs Committee (H)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/H0139/