Iowa House Bill HF91

Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/25
• Refer: 1/17/25

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, and including effective date provisions.

Impact

The bill establishes new rules for absentee ballots, including how they are requested, submitted, and the verification process involved. All absentee ballots must include a serial number and are required to be submitted by a specific deadline prior to election day. Furthermore, the bill prohibits ranked choice voting and applies stricter standards on who can assist voters in the polling booths. These changes are intended to enhance the integrity and security of the election process, though they may also affect voter accessibility.

Summary

House File 91 is a comprehensive bill amending various aspects related to elections and the duties of the secretary of state in Iowa. It focuses on streamlining procedures for absentee voting, modifying candidate eligibility requirements, and implementing an address confidentiality program aimed at protecting individuals at risk of domestic abuse. Key provisions include requirements for absentee ballot submissions and clarifications regarding candidate nominations for federal offices.

Contention

Several points of contention surround HF91, notably its prohibition on ranked choice voting, which some proponents argue limits voter choice. Additionally, by amending the eligibility objections for candidates running for federal office, the bill limits the grounds on which objections can be filed, raising questions about the robustness of candidate vetting processes. Critics are concerned these changes may disenfranchise certain voters and reduce local control over electoral processes.