Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF130

Introduced
1/26/23  
Introduced
1/26/23  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the absentee voting period.

Impact

The implications of HF130 are significant as it affects the voting landscape in Iowa. By allowing absentee ballots to be accessible for a longer period before elections, the bill aims to alleviate pressures on voters who may face challenges in casting their ballots due to personal or circumstantial constraints. This extension could potentially lead to higher voter turnout, particularly among those who may require more time to vote or who are unable to vote in person on Election Day.

Summary

House File 130, introduced by Representative Levin, is a legislative proposal aimed at modifying the absentee voting period in Iowa. The bill seeks to extend this period from a maximum of 20 days before an election to 40 days. This primary change is intended to enhance voter access and allow more time for voters to receive and submit their absentee ballots, thereby encouraging engagement in the electoral process.

Contention

While proponents of HF130 argue that the extended absentee voting period promotes inclusivity and eases voter access, there may be critics who express concerns about the potential for increased opportunities for voter fraud or the administrative burdens placed on election officials tasked with managing longer absentee voting windows. Counterarguments often highlight the importance of maintaining robust integrity in elections while balancing accessibility for voters. The discussions surrounding this bill may reflect broader national conversations on voting rights and election reforms.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA SF271

A bill for an act relating to the conduct of elections, including the recounting of ballots, the mailing of absentee ballots, and in-person absentee voting.

IA HF523

A bill for an act relating to the conduct of elections.

IA HF169

A bill for an act relating to the casting and canvassing of absentee ballots.

IA HF524

A bill for an act relating to absentee voting at the office of a county commissioner of elections.

IA HF356

A bill for an act relating to the conduct of elections, including provisions related to absentee ballots, recounts, and contested gubernatorial elections and impeachments, making penalties applicable, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 470.)

IA HF470

A bill for an act relating to the conduct of elections, including provisions related to absentee ballots, recounts, and contested gubernatorial elections and impeachments, making penalties applicable, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HF 356.)

IA SF140

A bill for an act relating to satellite absentee voting stations.

IA HSB697

A bill for an act relating to the duties of the secretary of state, including the address confidentiality program and the conduct of elections.(See HF 2610.)

IA HF245

A bill for an act relating to the establishment of satellite absentee voting stations on school property.

IA HF2385

A bill for an act relating to the automatic mailing of ballots, and including applicability provisions.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.