This legislation amends the existing Indiana election code and could lead to extensive changes in how elections are conducted statewide. It emphasizes transparency and security in elections by providing strict measures such as requiring all ballot counting to be carried out by two counters and ensuring that all election materials are accessible for public inspection. The shift to hand-marked paper ballots, while aimed at increasing election integrity, raises concerns regarding potential delays in counting and reporting election results.
Summary
House Bill 1286 seeks to significantly reshape the voting process in Indiana by mandating the use of secure, hand-marked paper ballots. These ballots must be designed and manufactured within the state, feature a distinctive watermark, and be serialized. The bill explicitly prohibits any form of voting other than these paper ballots, prohibiting early voting, internet voting, ballot drop boxes, and mass mail-in voting. Furthermore, all ballots are to be counted by hand in the precinct polling places, with real-time video streaming of the counting process to ensure transparency.
Contention
Notably, the bill introduces an election crimes unit to combat alleged election fraud. It sets forth severe penalties, classifying violations as Class A misdemeanors that can revoke a person's voting rights for up to ten years. Critics argue that such measures could disenfranchise voters, particularly marginalized communities who may find it more challenging to navigate these new regulations. Additionally, the focus on limiting voting options raises questions about accessibility and the right to vote in the state.
Provides relative to precincts with fewer than three hundred registered voters and the payment of election expenses in certain such precincts (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
Elections: election officials; county clerk to appoint a designee to conduct an election audit under certain circumstances; require. Amends sec. 31a of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.31a).
Elections; directing for ballots to be printed in advance of election; hours for voting; clarifying applicability to county election board; directing voter appear at assigned polling place; prohibiting voting centers; effective date; emergency.