A bill for an act relating to the use of automatic tabulating equipment and optical scan voting systems.
Impact
This legislation has significant implications for how elections are conducted in Iowa, particularly in smaller jurisdictions. By empowering election commissioners to exercise discretion in the counting method based on turnout predictions, the bill could help streamline election processes and reduce costs associated with automatic equipment when it is deemed unnecessary. However, it poses the risk of potentially diminishing the standardized application of voting systems across various jurisdictions, which could raise concerns about consistency and fairness in election procedures.
Summary
Senate File 160, introduced by Salmon, proposes amendments regarding the use of automatic tabulating equipment and optical scan voting systems in elections. It aims to provide a framework for determining when automatic tabulating equipment will be used for counting ballots, particularly in smaller cities and school districts. The bill stipulates that election commissioners must evaluate recent voter turnout trends in order to decide whether to count ballots manually or with automatic equipment, based on the anticipated turnout. If expected turnout is low, they may opt for manual counting, but a petition from eligible voters can compel the use of automatic tabulation equipment instead.
Contention
Notably, the bill amends existing provisions to allow counties the flexibility to choose their voting systems, which may lead to debates over the reliability and accessibility of the voting process. Opponents may argue that allowing local discretion could introduce variations in voting access and undermine the confidence of voters in election outcomes. Discussions surrounding SF160 may also reflect broader arguments regarding voting technology's role in enhancing or hindering election integrity, contributing to discussions on how best to ensure fair and secure elections.
A bill for an act relating to the conduct of elections, including the casting of provisional ballots by persons registering to vote on election day or when casting an in-person absentee ballot, and the use of automatic tabulating equipment and optical scan voting systems.
A bill for an act relating to the conduct of elections, including the recounting of ballots, the mailing of absentee ballots, and in-person absentee voting.
A bill for an act requiring primary elections for the nomination of candidates for city, school district, and merged area elections, and including applicability provisions.
A bill for an act relating to the conduct of elections, including provisions related to absentee ballots, recounts, and contested gubernatorial elections and impeachments, making penalties applicable, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HF 356.)
A bill for an act relating to the conduct of elections, including provisions related to absentee ballots, recounts, and contested gubernatorial elections and impeachments, making penalties applicable, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 470.)