Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

Kansas House Bill HB2614

Introduced

1/29/24

Refer

1/29/24

Report Pass

2/8/24

Engrossed

2/23/24

Refer

2/28/24

Report Pass

3/21/24

Enrolled

4/5/24

Vetoed

4/25/24

Caption

Requiring county election officers to record the names of individuals delivering advance voting ballots on behalf of another voter and report violations of the laws governing such delivery and removing the requirement to specify the treasurer of a sponsoring organization in political advertising.

Impact

The modifications imposed by HB 2614 could heavily impact state election laws by enforcing stricter regulations on how advance voting is handled. The recording of individuals who deliver ballots enhances the scrutiny of the voting process, aiming to mitigate risks associated with ballot manipulation. Moreover, by updating the requirements linked to political advertising, the bill changes the dynamics of how candidates and political organizations communicate with voters, potentially affecting transparency in campaign finance. The enforcement of these provisions is intended to uphold the integrity of election processes across the state.

Summary

House Bill 2614 introduces several significant amendments concerning election laws, particularly focusing on the integrity of advance voting ballots and the regulations surrounding political advertising. The bill mandates that county election officers record the names of individuals who return advance voting ballots on behalf of other voters and keep track of how many ballots each individual returns. This is intended to prevent potential fraud and ensure compliance with existing voting laws. Additionally, the bill removes the requirement for political advertisements to disclose the name of the treasurer of the sponsoring organization, which proponents argue simplifies compliance for political groups.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2614 appears to be mixed. Supporters from various parties have voiced approval of the bill as a necessary step to enhance the security of elections amidst growing concerns about voter fraud and accountability in the electoral process. However, critics have raised concerns about the potential implications for voter accessibility, arguing that imposing more stringent regulations on who can assist voters could disenfranchise certain groups, particularly those unable to navigate the complexities of the voting process independently.

Contention

The most notable points of contention arise from the bill's implications for both campaign transparency and voter assistance practices. While some lawmakers emphasize the importance of ensuring that election processes are secure and transparent, others caution that the requirements may create barriers for voters, particularly for those in need of assistance. The tension between securing elections and maintaining accessibility for all voters reveals a central conflict in election law discussions, highlighting differing priorities among stakeholders in the legislative process.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS HB2572

Imposing personal delivery restrictions on individuals delivering advance voting ballots on behalf of other voters.

KS HB2512

Substitute for HB 2512 by Committee on Elections - Relating to advance voting ballots; requiring county election officers to provide at least four hours of advance voting in-person on the Saturday before an election; providing after January 1, 2025, such ballots cast in-person be received in the county election office by 7:00 p.m. on the Sunday proceeding the election; exception to allow voting in-person until 12:00 noon on Monday for good cause.

KS HB2122

Requiring a witness to each signature on an advance voting ballot envelope and limiting the witness to not more than 10 advance voting ballot envelopes.

KS SB344

Requiring voter verification of identity when returning an advance voting ballot.

KS HB2571

Requiring that all advance voting ballots deposited in a remote ballot box be considered provisional ballots until verified by the county election office.

KS SB260

Prohibiting remote ballot boxes, providing for reporting and publication of voting results and public access to voting records and materials, limiting advance voting provisions and requiring receipt of advance voting ballots by election day, limiting the size of precincts, making the general election a state holiday, providing that the sheriff has sole jurisdiction for and shall provide security at voting places, establishing the authority of the legislature over elections with preeminence over rules and regulations of the secretary of state and federal election law and making certain election crimes felonies.

KS SB366

Requiring that county election officers receive a request for an application for an advance voting ballot from a voter before mailing such application to such voter.

KS HB2513

Changing the time period for the transmittal and return of advance voting ballots and requiring such ballots be returned by the day of the election.

KS HB2269

Requiring the election commissioners in the four largest counties to designate at least three advance voting sites as determined by the board of county commissioners and providing for in-person advance voting 20 days prior to an election in such counties.

KS SB220

Establishing uniform requirements for all advance voting ballot envelopes.

Similar Bills

KS HB2519

Substitute for HB2519 by Committee on Elections - Deleting from the general election crime of corrupt political advertising coverage of advertisements for constitutional amendments; adding coverage of advertising for constitutional amendments to the crime of corrupt political advertising which is part of the campaign finance act.

KS HB2207

Expanding the election crime of corrupt political advertising to include messages sent using text messaging devices.

KS HB2166

Expanding the elections crime of corrupt political advertising to be consistent with the campaign finance act and clarifying the scope of its application.

KS SB375

Prohibiting the use of generative artificial intelligence to create false representations of candidates in election campaign media or of state officials.

KS HB2559

Relating to the crime of corrupt political advertising; regulating the use; of generative artificial intelligence; requiring disclosure that an image or speech has been manipulated ; making it a crime to create false representations of candidates in campaign media or of state officials; providing that liability shall rest solely with the advertiser and not with any broadcaster or media platform.