A bill for an act relating to the duties of the secretary of state, including the address confidentiality program and the conduct of elections.(Formerly SSB 3161.)
One major component of the bill is the strengthening of the address confidentiality program, which is designed to protect individuals who may be victims of domestic violence or other serious crimes. By allowing the use of shelter addresses, the bill aims to provide a safe avenue for these individuals to participate in the electoral process without compromising their personal safety. Additionally, the bill adjusts the candidate eligibility requirements, specifically limiting the grounds upon which objections can be raised against federal office candidates, thus potentially simplifying the nomination process.
SF2380 is a comprehensive piece of legislation aimed at updating the electoral process within Iowa, particularly focusing on absentee voting, candidate eligibility regulations, and maintaining the integrity of voter registration. The bill introduces a set of provisions concerning absentee ballots, including new procedures for ballot delivery, requirements for affidavit envelopes, and stricter guidelines for ensuring the validity of ballots submitted by voters. Moreover, it extends the timeline for mailing absentee ballots and sets clear deadlines for their return to ensure that they are properly counted.
Critics of SF2380 have raised concerns regarding the prohibition of ranked choice voting and the restrictions on absentee ballot drop boxes, suggesting that these measures could disenfranchise voters and limit their choices during elections. The elimination of ranked choice voting options in Iowa has been a point of contention, with advocates arguing that it provides a fairer representation of voter preferences. Furthermore, the measures regarding the absentee voting process may face scrutiny as they could be perceived as complicating rather than simplifying the voting process, especially for those reliant on absentee ballots due to mobility issues or other constraints.