Video & Transcript Research : 'paper ballots'
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FL
Transcript Highlights:
- So 800,000 Floridians are going to have to come up with a piece of paper.
- Those voters will be allowed to cast ballots only in federal elections.
- For a person who's just been receiving a ballot, and now they're being given a provisional ballot, and
- two days to submit evidence to go along with that provisional ballot.
- That is a modern barrier to the ballot.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Municipal and County Government (02/17/2026)
Municipal and County Government
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> official ballot. official ballot. Further<04:21:47.120><c> comments?</c> Further comments?
- </c> official ballot. Thank you. official ballot. Thank you.
- </c> meeting is also on the official ballot. meeting is also on the official ballot.
- </c> government is done by official ballot. government is done by official ballot.
- </c> on the ballot, it's a negative question. on the ballot, it's a negative question.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- This is very similar to the process that is used for paper ballots when they look at a write-in.
- This is very similar to the process used for paper ballots when they look at a write-in."
- This is very similar to the process used for paper ballots when they look at a write-in.
- This is very similar to the process that is used for paper ballots when they look at a write-in ballot
- "The process that is used for paper ballots when they look at a write-in ballot, where there's two people
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions Committee, February 27, 2026
Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions
Transcript Highlights:
- And then we talk about striking out that paper. >> I don't think he meant to say useless ballots.
- Do I believe that 226130 allows us to conduct that on paper ballots as opposed to ballot images?
- Do I believe that 226130 allows us to conduct that on paper ballots as opposed to ballot images?
- </c><01:43:20.159><c> ballots,</c> count on the basis of the paper ballots, count on the basis of the
- paper ballots, you<01:43:20.719><c> know,</c><01:43:20.800><c> with</c><01:43:20.880><c> the</c><01:
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 5, 2026 - 12:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- It provides for greater ballot integrity by requiring all voting to be by paper ballot unless a person
- I don't mail in my ballot.
- They died over access to the ballot box.
- Shouldn't we want more access to the ballot?
- They will always defer to a provisional ballot, always.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions Mar 31st, 2026
Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions
Transcript Highlights:
- So it will be an information-rich ballot.
- Well, we're very proud that we have about 100,000 folks who signed our ballot papers in the fall.
- And those who are senators may have thousands of constituents who signed the ballot papers.
- different ballot lines.
- or Republican ballot.
Bills:
H5001
Keywords:
election day registration, voter registration, proof of residency, provisional ballot, party affiliation, 1212, all
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on Initiative Petition 25-12, H.503, which would implement an all-party primary system for state elections in Massachusetts. The hearing began with two subject-matter experts. Professor Costas Panagopoulos of Northeastern University described top-two primary systems used in a few states and said the research shows only modest, mixed effects on turnout and polarization, with tradeoffs such as weaker party gatekeeping, possible same-party general elections, higher spending, and reduced visibility for minor parties. Katie King of the National Conference of State Legislatures outlined different primary models, explained the legal distinction between unconstitutional blanket primaries and permissible top-two systems, and noted that changing primary systems would require voter education and administrative preparation. Committee members asked both witnesses about turnout, litigation, and how the systems compare to Massachusetts’ current rules.
The proponents’ panel, led by Danielle Allen of the Coalition for Healthy Democracy, argued that Massachusetts has too many uncontested elections, low turnout, and too little accountability. Supporters said all-party primaries would give every voter a meaningful role, increase competition, broaden participation, and help candidates appeal to the full electorate rather than a narrow partisan base. Jim Henderson, the coalition’s counsel and a principal drafter, said the proposal is limited to state-level primaries and includes ballot language allowing party endorsements to appear. Other proponents, including Kevin Johnson, Kate Kavanaugh, and Spencer Reynolds, said the reform would reduce polarization, improve representation for independents and underrepresented groups, and create more competitive elections. They also emphasized that the proposal differs from systems in California and Washington because it would allow endorsements and multiple endorsements on the ballot.
Committee members pressed the proponents on whether the reform would actually increase turnout, whether it would worsen polarization by shifting influence to party endorsements, and whether it would disadvantage minority-party candidates or create pressure to clear the field. Questions also focused on how endorsements would work in legislative races, whether the proposal would help elect more people of color, and whether the state’s current ballot-access rules are really a barrier. The proponents responded that turnout gains may be modest but that the general election would remain the decisive, higher-turnout stage, and they argued that the system would improve competition and voter choice. No vote was taken at the hearing.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Municipal and County Government (02/17/2026)
Municipal and County Government
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> official ballot. official ballot. Further<04:21:47.120><c> comments?</c> Further comments?
- onto the official ballot. When um the onto the official ballot.
- </c> meeting is also on the official ballot. meeting is also on the official ballot.
- </c> government is done by official ballot. government is done by official ballot.
- </c> on the ballot, it's a negative question. on the ballot, it's a negative question.
Summary:
The Municipal and County Government Committee met in executive session on February 17, 2026, to act on a series of bills. Early in the meeting, members agreed that they could consult the online submission summaries rather than have changing submission counts read aloud. The committee then took up House Bill 1386, which would have allowed citizens in a municipality to vote to require a financial audit of a local school district. Members opposing the bill argued that school districts already have audit authority and reporting requirements under existing law, and that the proposal was unnecessary and potentially burdensome. The committee voted 17-0 to recommend the bill inexpedient to legislate, placing it on the consent calendar.
The committee next considered House Bill 1181FN on public hearing notice requirements for zoning board of adjustment appeals. Members who opposed the bill said newspaper publication provides independent third-party verification and archival value, and that removing that requirement would weaken public notice. The committee voted 17-0 ITL and sent the bill to the consent calendar. It also voted 17-0 ITL on House Bill 1327, concerning the definition of commercially zoned land, largely because the sponsor was absent and members said they could not do due diligence without hearing from the sponsor.
The committee then acted on House Bill 1473FN, concerning the use of agricultural fairground property, and House Bill 1147, concerning the use of capital reserve funds. In both cases, members cited the sponsor’s absence and the need for more information as reasons to recommend inexpedient to legislate; both votes were 17-0 and both bills were placed on the consent calendar. House Bill 1220, which would have allowed municipal governing bodies to review and approve school budgets, was also recommended ITL by a 17-0 vote after members raised concerns about local control, legal conflicts between separate entities, and technical drafting problems.
The committee recommended ought to pass on House Bill 118, which raises the amount of money municipal treasurers may hold before depositing it in the bank, with supporters saying the higher threshold would reduce unnecessary trips to the bank and improve efficiency. It also recommended ought to pass on House Bill 1151, a housekeeping bill correcting statutory references related to conservation commission appropriations, and it approved House Bill 1309 as amended after adopting Amendment 2026-0411H to clarify town meeting warrant language. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 1385, prohibiting negative property tax rates in certain municipalities, and recommended ITL by a 17-0 vote after testimony indicated the practice at issue had already ended and that a blanket prohibition could create problems for municipalities with excess revenues. The committee also began work on House Bill 1369, relating to posting warrants for special town meetings, and discussed an amendment to preserve newspaper notice while also allowing website posting where available.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/18/2026 - House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- This will require them to do it at replacement ballot sites, in-person ballot sites, and early ballot
- If this is to pass on the ballot, If this is to pass on the ballot in November of 2026, there are counties
- It doesn't touch mail-in ballots.
- Flooding the ballot with additional ballot referrals from this legislative body is a really big problem
- This is a constitutional ballot referral.
Summary:
The committee heard several election-related bills and one bill on party vacancy procedures. SB 1018, which would expand Arizona’s foreign law restrictions to expressly include Sharia law and certain related religious or cultural practices, drew sharply divided testimony. Supporters said it was intended to prevent enforcement of coercive or unconstitutional private adjudications, while opponents argued it was anti-Muslim and unconstitutional. The bill passed on a 4-3 vote.
SB 1568 would require election equipment clocks and timekeeping functions to be set to the current accurate time and verified during testing. County officials opposed parts of the bill as impractical for equipment not connected to the internet and for areas with different time zones, while the sponsor and a witness said inaccurate clocks had been observed in testing. The committee adopted the bill on a 4-3 vote. SB 1687 would move the primary election to the Tuesday before Memorial Day and adjust related filing and petition deadlines; an amendment expanding Clean Elections timing and spending provisions was offered but defeated. The bill then passed 4-3 after members discussed the need to align election timelines and Clean Elections rules.
SB 1825 would change how precinct committeeman vacancies are filled, shifting authority in counties over 500,000 people toward legislative district chairs and requiring faster action by county boards. Supporters said it would streamline appointments and improve transparency, while opponents warned it could concentrate power and create abuse. An amendment clarifying the county-size threshold was adopted, and the bill passed 4-1 with one present and one absent. SB 1037, which imposes stricter cybersecurity and chain-of-custody requirements on voting and tabulating equipment and requires continuous video at counting centers, also passed after amendment on a 4-2 vote. Finally, the committee began hearing SCR 1001, a proposed constitutional amendment requiring U.S. citizenship to register and vote, banning foreign-national election contributions, requiring proof of identity for voting, and changing some mail-ballot and polling-place rules; the transcript cuts off before any vote on that resolution.
AR
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (05/05/2026)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> one-time question on the November ballot one-time question on the November ballot um<00:12:46.880
- It creates an extra ballot that needs to be printed.
- It creates an extra ballot elections.
- question on the ballot one time in<00:19:25.919><c> 2026.
- The question shall appear again on a separate official ballot or local ballot during the next even-numbered
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, March 31, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- 10 million paper checks issued annually.
- 10 million paper checks issued annually.
- He says that you cannot have ballots that don't arrive on the day of.
- HE SAYS THAT YOU CANNOT HAVE BALLOTS THAT DON'T ARRIVE ON THE DAY OF.
- TO INCREASE EQUAL ACCESS ACROSS THE VOTING BALLOT.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm very proud to bring this to the ballot. Mr.
- I'm deeply concerned also adding yet another resolution to the ballot, another long ballot, two pages
- Another long ballot, two pages, four full pages, most likely.
- The next part of the paper is an entire... ...paper from the Society of Plastic Surgeons also notes that
- There's a difference between wet water and paper water, and we have to keep that wet water and paper
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- So 800,000 Floridians are going to have to come up with a piece of paper.
- Those voters will be allowed to cast ballots only in federal elections.
- For a person who’s just been receiving a ballot, and now they’re being given a provisional ballot, and
- two days to submit evidence to go along with that provisional ballot.
- And keep in mind, you cannot say they have voted with a provisional ballot.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of recognitions for interns, staff, and guests. Members also honored retiring Senate staffer Susan Miller and recognized a veteran injured in combat. After routine announcements, the chamber moved to returning messages from the House and began taking up bills and amendments.
The Senate concurred in House amendments and passed SB 118 on RV park assessments and SB 572 on ethics for public officers and employees, both by 38-0 votes. It then took up the elections bill, CS/CS/HB 991, which drew extensive debate. Supporters said it would strengthen election integrity by tightening citizenship verification and ID rules; opponents argued it would burden eligible voters, especially students, seniors, disabled voters, and others without the newly required documents. The bill passed 27-12. The chamber also passed the education package SB 182 after adopting a Senate amendment to the House amendment, and approved SB 474 on military affairs, SB 425 on historic cemeteries, HB 929 on local regulation of chickees, and HB 35/SB 1370 on habitual traffic offender designation, all with unanimous or near-unanimous votes.
The Senate then considered SB 902/ HB 733, the Department of Health package. Members adopted an amendment and amendment-to-amendment that preserved most Senate provisions while modifying or removing several House additions, including some early steps and medical marijuana-related changes, and the bill passed 37-0. The chamber also began work on HB 905, the foreign influence bill, with a strike-all amendment offered to expand restrictions on foreign influence, sister-city agreements, linkage institutes, and related activities, but the debate on that measure was still underway when the transcript ended. Several other returning messages and bills were temporarily postponed, and the Senate recessed briefly before resuming business.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Municipal and County Government (01/16/2026)
Municipal and County Government
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><01:41:30.400><c> ballots</c><01:41:30.719><c> in</c> lining up um to place paper ballots in lining
- up um to place paper ballots in an<01:41:31.119><c> official</c><01:41:31.520><c> ballot</c><01:41:31.920
- </c> beyond the request of secret ballots? beyond the request of secret ballots?
- </c> secret ballots. secret ballots.
- </c> a paper blue sheet. a paper blue sheet.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Tue Feb 24, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- ballots, where somebody took the paper ballot from the previous meeting and shoved it in the ballot
- </c><00:30:03.760><c> ballots</c> problem has been with paper ballots problem has been with paper ballots
- </c><00:30:05.760><c> ballot</c> where somebody took the paper ballot where somebody took the paper ballot
- So, we had first on a paper ballot, people don't usually sign it.
- So, we had first on a paper ballot, people don't usually sign it.
Keywords:
natural hair braiding, registration, Barbering and Cosmetology Licensing Act, public health, sanitation, cumulative voting, associations, unit owners, board of directors, elections, Hawaii Revised Statutes, condominium, association meetings, electronic voting, proxy voting, mail voting, insurance, premium increase, policy cancellation, licensing
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1697, which would exempt natural hair braiders from licensing requirements under certain conditions. The DCCA Board of Barbering and Cosmetology said it recognizes braiding as within the scope of cosmetology practice but warned that a broad exemption could create consumer protection gaps, especially around sanitation training, tool use, and enforcement. Supporters from the Institute for Justice and the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii argued the current licensing regime is overly burdensome and unrelated to braiding, citing the 1,250-hour training requirement, high tuition costs, barriers for low-income entrepreneurs, and the fact that many other states already exempt braiders. Committee members asked whether a standalone sanitation course or similar training could address the board’s concerns, and the board said it would bring that idea back for discussion. The committee also noted 16 written testimonies in support and 2 in opposition.
The committee then took up HB 1678, relating to condominium and planned community association elections using cumulative voting. Supporters, including the Hawaii State Association of Parliamentarians, said the bill would clarify that cumulative voting applies to all candidates, including write-ins, and would help resolve confusion in association elections. One testifier urged the committee to remove proxy voting, calling it an abuse of power in some associations, while another asked whether cumulative voting and proxies could be manipulated to stack votes. In response, the parliamentarian explained that cumulative voting and proxy voting are different, that proxies simply allow someone to vote on another’s behalf, and that existing deadlines and counting procedures reduce opportunities for abuse. Testimony also emphasized that electronic or mail voting can be secure and efficient, and that the bill would make the process clearer and more democratic.
Finally, the committee heard testimony on HB 1679, which would clarify an association board’s authority over electronic meetings, electronic voting, voting without a meeting, and mail voting without a meeting. Supporters said the measure would clean up statutory language, make electronic voting optional, and fix problems created by a 2024 change that made written-consent timing rules difficult to use for association actions. They also said the bill would clarify that proxies are only used at meetings, not for actions taken without a meeting. One opponent argued the bill needs further amendment because electronic voting is not well defined and could be abused, and questioned the neutrality of parliamentarians testifying on condominium bills. No votes were taken on any of the measures during the portion of the meeting provided.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- I suppose we could get some more made if people are interested. a paper it's a four-page paper for those
- a paper it's a four-page paper for those who<00:24:45.320><c> are</c><00:24:45.919><c> looking</c><00
- <01:27:32.719><c> we</c><01:27:32.920><c> use</c> ballot we use ballot we use the<01:27:35.360><c> uh
- both ballots equivalently?
- ballot for that person.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Delivery of Government Efficiency Apr 23rd, 2025
Delivery of Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- I apologize, I got my two-sided paper here. Which in a bill book doesn't work very well.
- The substitute also prescribes specific ballot language which specifies the anticipated... ...cost and
- So what would that look like that we would show on a ballot if we were going to sign additional home
- We can just think about how much paper we're spending, how much time we're wasting on doing that.
- So that's a lot of paper, as you said. Do you know how many agencies?
Keywords:
constitutional amendment, fiscal impact, state budget, ballot measure, transparency in voting, management-to-staff ratio, state agencies, employee regulations, government efficiency, workforce management, public information, governing board, transparency, confidentiality, access rights, privacy, identifying information, state agency, consent, occupational license
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> cast their ballot cast their ballot um<01:43:24.159><c> you've</c><01:43:24.360><c> heard</c><01
- 02:00:11.239><c> um</c> Bill 217 relative to absentee ballots um Bill 217 relative to absentee ballots
- </c> gives the new address to the ballot gives the new address to the ballot clerk<03:33:06.080><c> who
- </c> doic when they walk up to the ballot doic when they walk up to the ballot clerk<03:40:47.520><c>
- </c> delivery of V ballots from 5:00 P p.m. delivery of V ballots from 5:00 P p.m. to<04:39:13.840><c
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- They make it a point to go to the ballot box.
- They make it a point to go to the ballot box.
- When I look at the ballot, how few people run?
- And he should have failed his paper, but because the ideology is kids should... ...failed his paper,
- November ballots are crowded.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 1002, which would move St. Charles County school board elections and school bond/levy questions from April to the November general election, extend school board terms to four years, and allow candidates to voluntarily list party affiliation. The bill sponsor and several supporters argued that November elections would increase turnout, broaden parent and taxpayer participation, reduce the influence of a small April electorate, and potentially save money. Supporters also said the change could make campaigning more feasible and help voters identify candidates’ general viewpoints.
Opponents, including school board members, parents, the Missouri NEA, and the Missouri School Boards’ Association, argued that the bill unnecessarily singles out one county, would politicize school board races, and could bury local education issues on crowded November ballots. They also warned that moving levy and bond questions to November could reduce districts’ flexibility to address urgent needs, and that four-year terms could make recruitment harder and reduce accountability or institutional continuity. Several witnesses said school boards should remain nonpartisan and focused on governance, budgeting, and student needs rather than party labels.
Committee members questioned the sponsor and witnesses about why the bill applies only to St. Charles County, whether staggered terms would be lost, and whether partisan labels would help or harm voters. Some members expressed support for the concept as a pilot or model, while others objected to the county-specific approach and the addition of party affiliation. The transcript does not show a final committee vote or other action on the bill.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Feb 20th, 2026 at 10:30 am
State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections
Transcript Highlights:
- ordered, the name of the deceased candidate is removed from the ballot.
- On your local ballot are Washington, Husky, and Oregon Duck.
- After ballots are distributed, Husky dies.
- Could you also follow up with your concerns on behalf of these papers?
- “Or independent expenditures in ballot propositions.
Keywords:
designation, commemoration, December 12, local observance, cultural significance, citizenship, immigration, terminology, rights, legal status, election, ballot, candidates, deceased, voting law, public records, concealed pistol licenses, firearm purchases, transfers, exemptions
Summary:
The Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee met on February 20, 2016, and first suspended the five-day notice rule for several House bills. The committee then heard a gubernatorial appointment to the Washington State Women’s Commission from Gauri Shotriara, who described her background in public service, equity work, legal advocacy, and community volunteering; no member questions were raised, and the vote was scheduled for a later meeting.
The committee heard several bills related to elections and voting rights. HB 1759 would designate December 12 as the Day of the 12s; testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, including from Seahawks fan representatives, and the hearing was closed with 342 signed in pro and 2 con. HB 1710 would add a state preclearance requirement to the Washington Voting Rights Act for certain jurisdictions with prior voting-rights violations; supporters said it would prevent discriminatory changes before they occur, while cities, county auditors, and counties raised concerns about burden, rulemaking, annexations, and litigation risk. HB 1750 would create clearer standards for vote suppression and vote dilution claims under the WVRA; supporters called it a technical fix, while local government groups argued it was overbroad and could create uncertainty and litigation. Both bills drew large numbers of signed-in opponents.
The committee also heard HB 2475 on language-accessible public programs, which would require the Office of Equity to develop statewide guidelines and address interpreter shortages; the Office of Equity, language-access advocates, and business representatives supported it, while many others signed in opposed. HB 2632 would replace the term “alien” with “non-citizen” in state law except where federal law requires otherwise; supporters called the change more accurate and respectful, while no major opposition testimony was presented in the excerpt. HB 2420 would raise small works roster contract limits in phases and exclude sales tax from the project-cost calculation; it received supportive testimony from public universities and had unanimous support among those signed in. HB 2574 would establish procedures for removing deceased nonpartisan candidates from ballots; testimony focused on ballot administration and voter choice, with some concern about write-in options and vacancy procedures. HB 2637 would expand Public Records Act exemptions for personal information such as age, language preference, birthplace, geolocation, and certain identifiers; media and open-government groups opposed it as overbroad and costly, while supporters argued it would protect sensitive data. HB 2123 would add a $6,000 threshold for foreign-national contribution certifications and attestations in campaign finance; the Public Disclosure Commission explained the current certification system, campaign treasurers supported reducing paperwork, and opponents warned the bill could weaken safeguards. Finally, HB 2235 would exempt firearm purchase/transfer records and related concealed pistol license documents from disclosure; it received limited testimony and the hearing was closed. No floor votes were taken on the bills during this meeting, and the chair closed the hearing after completing the full agenda.