Bill > H0254

This bill amends Idaho election law to establish more robust anti-fraud measures for ballots in different voting systems. For counties using voting machines, the bill requires county clerks to implement at least two anti-fraud techniques from a specified list, which includes using unique random barcodes, watermarked paper, hologram designs, security paper that reveals copied status, or stamping "Official Election Ballot" on each ballot. For counties hand-counting votes, ballots must be stamped with "Official Election Ballot" and the election date. County clerks must document the security measures and maintain a chain of custody for all ballots. The bill emphasizes maintaining voter ballot secrecy as guaranteed by the state constitution and requires county clerks to notify the county board of canvassers about the specific anti-fraud measures used in each election. These measures are to be tested and verified before each election to ensure ballot authenticity. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, and is being implemented with an emergency declaration to underscore its immediate importance to election integrity.

Government Affairs

State Affairs Committee (H)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/H0254/