Tennessee House Bill HB2531

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/24
• Refer: 2/1/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2, Chapter 6, relative to absentee voting.

Impact

The bill introduces a framework for testing new voting methods starting March 1, 2025, contingent on the findings of the county election commission. The proposed testing is subject to strict security guidelines—it requires any new voting method to be secure against hacking and manipulation, to be continuously monitored by security consultants, and to receive the required approval from the secretary of state. Tests must also conclude by December 31, 2026, and if any security breaches are detected during the testing period, the tests must be immediately halted. Additionally, within a month of the conclusion of the test, the election commission is required to produce a report summarizing the results and any legislative recommendations resulting from the tests.

Summary

House Bill 2531 proposes amendments to Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Title 2, Chapter 6, concerning absentee voting. The primary focus of this bill is to explore alternative voting methods for members of the armed forces and their dependents stationed outside the United States. The legislation mandates that the county election commission, with assistance from the coordinator of elections, research and evaluate various methods, systems, and technologies that might facilitate absentee voting beyond traditional mail methods. This bill aims to enhance voting accessibility and security for military personnel who may face difficulties in voting due to their deployment.

Contention

While the bill has the potential to modernize voting access for military families, it does raise concerns regarding the security of the proposed voting technologies. Critics may argue that the introduction of new voting methods, particularly digital or electronic systems, could increase the risk of security vulnerabilities, thus undermining the integrity of the electoral process. The bill's success also hinges on the outcomes of the tests conducted under its provisions, which will determine if the proposed systems are reliable enough for long-term use. Consequently, discussions around the bill may involve significant contention surrounding the balance between enhancing accessibility for military voters and ensuring robust protective measures against potential security threats.