Iowa Senate Bill SF2376

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/15/24

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the administration of elections.(Formerly SSB 3165.)

Impact

The bill's adjustments include a change to the voter registration deadline for those seeking to register on the day after Thanksgiving, moving it to the next day the election office is open. Additionally, it mandates that the county commissioner of elections conduct training for election personnel before each election, rather than only before primary and general elections. Leveraging these updates is expected to foster a better-prepared election workforce, leading to smoother election processes.

Summary

Senate File 2376, also known as the act relating to the administration of elections, aims to update and streamline the procedures surrounding various facets of election administration. The bill proposes several amendments to existing laws regarding absentee ballots, voter registration deadlines, and the training of election personnel. By revising these laws, the bill seeks to enhance the efficiency of election procedures and address certain administrative challenges faced by election officials across the state.

Contention

A notable point of contention in SF2376 arises from the provisions related to absentee ballot handling and reporting. The bill removes certain requirements for receipts when a person retrieves an absentee ballot on behalf of a voter, which may raise concerns regarding the potential for mishandling of ballots. Furthermore, the requirement for the state commissioner to conduct an unofficial canvass of election results following all elections rather than solely general elections could be seen as an unnecessary escalation of administrative efforts, especially in smaller or less contentious elections.