Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

Kansas House Bill HB2571

Introduced
1/23/24  
Refer
1/23/24  

Caption

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

Impact

The implications of HB 2571 are significant, as it could alter how advance voting is conducted across the state. By designating ballots from remote voting locations as provisional, the bill introduces additional levels of scrutiny and verification. This is expected to enhance voter confidence in the electoral process among those who may worry about the security and validity of mail-in and advance voting options. Conversely, it may also lead to criticisms from advocacy groups who argue that such measures could suppress voter turnout, particularly among those who rely on remote voting options due to mobility challenges or other issues.

Summary

House Bill 2571 seeks to revise procedures surrounding advance voting in Kansas by requiring that any advance voting ballots submitted via remote ballot boxes be treated as provisional until they are verified by the county election office. This bill amends existing statutes to ensure that the integrity of the voting process is maintained by establishing stricter verification measures for ballots obtained through these remote boxes. Such a precaution aims to mitigate potential fraud or errors in the voting process by ensuring that all ballots can be appropriately verified against voter registration records.

Contention

Debate surrounding HB 2571 may center on the balance between ensuring election integrity and facilitating voter access. Proponents argue that stringent signature verification processes are necessary to uphold the sanctity of each vote, while opponents may raise concerns about the potential disenfranchisement of eligible voters whose ballots could be rejected due to minor discrepancies in signatures or due to complications arising from the provisional ballot process. How the bill's provisions are implemented will also be crucial, especially regarding how voters are notified of deficiencies and what avenues are available for them to correct any issues.

Voting_history

The voting history of HB 2571 reflects partisan lines, typical of many electoral measures, with significant support among Republican members of the legislature. As the bill progresses, its reception in the Senate may further reveal the level of consensus on these measures and their anticipated impacts on the broader electoral landscape in Kansas.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS SB365

Requiring all advance voting ballots be returned by 7:00 p.m. on election day.

KS SB344

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

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 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 SB4

Requiring the return of advance voting ballots by 7:00 p.m. on the day of the election.

KS HB2572

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

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 HB1162

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in county boards of elections, further providing for powers and duties of county boards; in preparation for and conduct of primaries and elections, further providing for manner of applying to vote, persons entitled to vote, voter's certificates, entries to be made in district register, numbered lists of voters and challenges and for ballots to be issued by election officers only, ballots not to be removed and official ballots only to be deposited or counted; in voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for applications for official absentee ballots, for date of application for absentee ballot, for official absentee voters ballots, for voting by absentee electors and for canvassing of official absentee absentee ballots and mail-in ballots; in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots, for official mail-in elector ballots and for voting by mail-in electors.

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.

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