Iowa Senate Bill SJR9

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/23
• Engrossed: 3/7/23
• Refer: 3/8/23

Caption

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa relating to the qualifications of electors. (Formerly SSB 1109.)

Impact

If enacted, SJR9 will amend Article II of the Iowa Constitution and could have significant implications on the voting landscape within the state. By setting clear residency requirements, the bill intends to prevent potential disputes over voting eligibility rooted in ambiguous voter qualifications. This move may also affect future discussions regarding voter access and establish a consistent framework by which residents must abide to participate in elections.

Summary

Senate Joint Resolution 9 (SJR9) proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa concerning the qualifications for electors. The amendment outlines that only citizens of the United States who are at least eighteen years old and have met specific residency requirements within the state and county are eligible to vote in elections. The proposed resolution seeks to clarify the law by establishing residency requirements of no more than six months in Iowa and sixty days in the respective county before voting. This change aims to standardize the qualifications for voting and ensure that all electors meet the same criteria.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SJR9 appears largely supportive, as the resolution passed with a unanimous vote in the legislative assembly, indicating a strong consensus among lawmakers regarding the need for clarity in voter qualifications. However, there may be underlying concerns among advocacy groups about the implications of such amendments, particularly regarding access to voting and how residency criteria might affect certain populations.

Contention

While SJR9 is positioned as a means to streamline and clarify voting requirements, critics may argue that strict residency requirements could disenfranchise some voters, particularly transient populations or those who may only recently have moved to a new area. The deliberations leading up to the vote reflect a broader debate about the balance between ensuring election integrity and preserving access to the electoral process for all eligible citizens. Some may contend that any amendment should also consider the potential impacts on voter turnout and engagement.