Alaska House Bill HB132

Alaska 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/22/23
• Refer: 3/22/23

Caption

Elections: Ballot, Voting, Security

Impact

The legislation introduces significant amendments to existing laws that govern the handling and counting of ballots. For instance, it requires election officials to follow strict protocols for the custody of both used and unused ballots, enhancing transparency throughout the voting process. The bill also aims to prevent cyber threats by developing a cybersecurity program specifically designed for the protection of voter registration records and the entire electoral infrastructure, which is increasingly under threat in the digital age.

Summary

House Bill 132 focuses on enhancing the security and integrity of elections in Alaska by implementing new measures for ballot identification and tracking. The bill mandates that all official ballots must include a watermark, seal, or other security identifiers, which are crucial for authentication. Additionally, it establishes a robust chain-of-custody for ballots to ensure their accountability from production through post-election certification, thereby aiming to fortify public confidence in the electoral process.

Contention

One point of contention surrounding HB 132 is the balance between enhancing security and ensuring accessibility for voters. While proponents argue that the new security measures are necessary to prevent fraud and maintain public trust, critics have voiced concerns that stringent identification requirements could inadvertently disenfranchise some voters. The bill's provisions for an election offense hotline and publicization efforts signify a proactive stance against electoral malfeasance, yet they raise questions about the broader implications for voter engagement and participation.