Imposing personal delivery restrictions on individuals delivering advance voting ballots on behalf of other voters.
Impact
The bill amends existing statutes to impose stricter controls on how advance voting ballots can be submitted and who can assist voters in this process. By requiring photo identification of individuals delivering ballots, the legislation is intended to reduce potential voter fraud. However, it also introduces complexities for voters who may rely on assistance—especially those with disabilities or language barriers—due to the new requirements for written designations and accompanying personal identification. Each instance of assistance will need documented verification to ensure proper anti-fraud measures are adhered to.
Summary
House Bill 2572 introduces significant regulations concerning advance voting procedures in Kansas. The key provisions necessitate that any individual delivering advance voting ballots on behalf of others must provide a personal delivery accompanied by photographic identification. Furthermore, it demands that the individual delivering the ballot must be recorded by election officials. This aims to enhance the security and traceability of advance voting, in light of concerns regarding ballot tampering and local election integrity.
Citation
The legislative changes encapsulated in HB2572 not only alter the pre-existing laws but also establish a framework intended to promote election security while grappling with the balance of voter access and integrity.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HB2572 involve its implications for voter accessibility. Opponents argue that the identification requirements and stringent rules about who can assist voters may disenfranchise individuals with disabilities or those who may not have reliable means to prove their identification. Additionally, there exists concern that the law's enforcement might inadvertently complicate the voting process for those needing assistance, potentially leading to fewer ballots being cast amid administrative hurdles. Proponents maintain that these measures are vital for maintaining the integrity of the election process.
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.
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.
Requiring that all advance voting ballots deposited in a remote ballot box be considered provisional ballots until verified by the county election office.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Requiring that all advance voting ballots deposited in a remote ballot box be considered provisional ballots until verified by the county election office.