Iowa Senate Bill SSB3161

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/24
• Refer: 2/7/24

Caption

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 SF 2380.)

Impact

The bill fundamentally alters the process of absentee voting by changing the requirements surrounding absentee ballots. For instance, it allows county commissioners to start mailing absentee ballots 22 days before elections, a shift from the previous timeframe. Furthermore, it establishes stricter conditions for how these ballots are processed, including that they must be submitted by close of business the day before the election. Additionally, the bill mandates that all mailed absentee ballots must include an affidavit envelope, reinforcing the identification and verification process for voters.

Summary

Senate Study Bill 3161 addresses various matters related to elections under the scope of the secretary of state's responsibilities. This legislation modifies the address confidentiality program, which aims to protect victims of domestic abuse and similar threats by allowing them to use the address of a shelter instead of their residential address. The bill also enables individuals affected by safety concerns to access mail forwarding services, thereby enhancing their security during the voting process.

Contention

Notably, SSB3161 prohibits the use of ranked choice voting and instant runoff voting, a point that has been contentious among lawmakers and advocacy groups. Such voting systems are criticized for potentially complicating the electoral process. The bill's restriction on the ground for disqualifying candidates for federal office raises further debate, as it limits objections to only a few specific criteria rather than allowing broader challenges. This could streamline candidate nominations, but may also limit scrutiny and transparency in the electoral process.