Bill > H0310

This bill amends Idaho election law to enhance ballot security by requiring county clerks to implement specific anti-fraud measures when issuing ballots. For counties using voting machines, clerks must now choose at least one security method from a set of options, including assigning unique, randomly generated barcodes or QR codes to ballots, using watermarked paper, printing hologram designs that change if copied, using 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. The bill mandates that county clerks test and verify these security measures before each election, notify the county board of canvassers about the measures used, and maintain documentation of security procedures and ballot chain of custody. Importantly, the bill emphasizes that these new requirements must not compromise voter privacy, as guaranteed by the state constitution. The bill will go into effect on July 1, 2025, and is being implemented with an emergency declaration, likely to ensure election integrity for upcoming elections.

Government Affairs

State Affairs Committee (H)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/H0310/