Iowa Senate Bill SSB1035

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/23
• Refer: 1/12/23

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the conduct of election recounts, providing penalties, and including effective date provisions.

Impact

The implementation of SSB1035 is likely to have significant implications for state laws relating to electoral processes. By requiring recount requests to be made within two days following the canvass and mandating that such requests cover all counties where the candidate is seeking a recount, the bill seeks to enhance the efficiency and consistency of recounts. This could reduce the potential for discrepancies and disputes arising from uncaptured votes or miscalculations, ultimately supporting the integrity of the electoral framework.

Summary

Senate Study Bill 1035 (SSB1035) addresses the procedures surrounding election recounts in the state, aiming to streamline the process and ensure thorough oversight. Key provisions of the bill include the modification of existing timelines for filing recount requests, the establishment of specific days for canvassing elections, and the requirements for conducting recounts across multiple counties as necessitated by candidate requests. Additionally, it sets monetary penalties for candidates who fail to comply with recount protocols, specifically a civil fine imposed for each county where a hand recount is required but not requested.

Contention

However, the bill has sparked discussions regarding its potential impacts on electoral fairness and autonomy. Critics might argue that imposing strict timelines and financial penalties could dissuade candidates from seeking recounts when warranted, thus jeopardizing the ability to contest flawed election outcomes. The shift in responsibility for assembling recount boards, particularly regarding their composition based on county population, could also be viewed as centralizing control and possibly reducing local input in election oversight, stirring debate among stakeholders who advocate for more localized governance in electoral matters.