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 a person transmitting or delivering a ballot on behalf of another voter to include such person's driver's license number in the written statement on the ballot envelope.
Requiring applications for advance voting ballots be filed by the 14th day prior to election day, that advance voting in person be completed by 12:00 p.m. on the Sunday prior to election day, extending the time for transmittal of advance voting ballots to 22 days prior to an election and ending the time for voter registration at 23 days prior to election day.
Clarifying the signature verification requirements for advance voting ballot envelopes and providing for the repeal of advance voting statutes, except where advance voting is required by federal law, if a state or federal court issues a final order or judgment which is not subject to appeal invalidating such signature verification requirements.
House Substitute for SB 394 by Committee on Elections - Relating to signature verification for advance voting ballots, concerning court orders that invalidate or enjoin signature verification triggering a return to allowing advance voting only if certain conditions exist, establishing venue in the district court in Shawnee county for all constitutional challenges to election laws.
Voting, absentee voting, disabled, blind, or voters unable to read may designate individual to deliver voter's absentee ballot application and absentee ballot to absentee election manager
Including funeral home online obituary notices as sufficient grounds for removal of a deceased voter from the voter registration books; requiring that poll workers be citizens of the United States and live within the state of Kansas; prohibiting the disqualification of active military members, spouses or other dependents who are citizens of the United States as poll workers on the basis of residency or being a registered voter; relating to advance voting ballot applications; modifying the requirements for soliciting registered voters to submit advance voting applications.
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.