West Virginia 2024 Regular Session

West Virginia House Bill HB4354

Introduced
1/10/24  

Caption

Provide voters with the ability to identify and verify their ballot cast in a statewide election

Impact

The bill would amend the West Virginia Code, introducing a new section that mandates the creation of cast vote records and ballot images while safeguarding voter anonymity. By establishing a structured approach to ballot verification, the legislation seeks to address public concerns regarding election security and potential fraud. The impact of this bill will likely shift the processes and procedures followed by county election officials, who will be responsible for implementing these requirements and ensuring compliance.

Summary

House Bill 4354 aims to enhance the integrity of statewide elections in West Virginia by providing voters with the tools to identify and verify their ballots. The bill introduces provisions requiring counties using the Express Vote system to implement specific functionalities that capture images of ballots at polling places. This move is intended to bolster voter confidence by ensuring transparency and allowing for accurate tracking of cast votes.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 4354 appears to be generally positive among supporters who emphasize the importance of election transparency and integrity. However, there may also be concerns regarding the administrative burden it places on election officials and the potential for increased costs related to implementing the required technology. The discussions indicate a commitment to improving electoral processes but also reveal varying opinions on the feasibility and implications of these changes.

Contention

Notable points of contention include discussions about the technological capabilities of election jurisdictions and the extent to which this bill mandates changes in existing procedures. Some stakeholders may express concerns about whether all counties possess the resources to implement the new requirements effectively and if this could lead to disparities in election processes between different regions. The inclusion of specific design features for ballots, such as unique ballot numbers, has also generated debate regarding practicality and effectiveness.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WV HB4470

Relating to requiring election officials to capture and publish ballot images, and provide voters with the ability to affix a unique mark on their ballot to identify and verify their ballot cast in a statewide election in West Virginia

WV SB4155

A bill to require voters to provide photo identification as a condition of casting a ballot, and for other purposes.

WV HB154

Securing our Elections Act of 2023 This bill establishes certain photo identification requirements for voting in federal elections. Specifically, the bill prohibits a state or local election official from providing a ballot for a federal election to an individual who does not present valid photo identification. Next, the bill outlines the availability of provisional ballots and the requirements for counting those ballots. In particular, an individual who does not present a valid photo identification must be permitted to cast a provisional ballot. However, an election official may not determine that the individual is eligible under state law to vote in the election unless, not later than three days after casting the provisional ballot, the individual presents (1) the identification required, or (2) an affidavit attesting that the individual does not possess the identification because of a religious objection to being photographed. An election official may not allow for voting methods other than in-person voting unless the individual submits the ballot with (1) a copy of their photo identification, or (2) the last four digits of their Social Security number with an affidavit attesting that the individual is unable to obtain a copy of a valid photo identification after making reasonable efforts to obtain a copy. This prohibition shall not apply to overseas military voters. The bill also requires an election official to provide an individual with a valid photo identification without charge if that individual presents an affidavit attesting to an inability to afford or otherwise obtain a valid photo identification.

WV HB1652

Elections; voter identification containing photograph required; who may register up to and including the day of the election; absentee ballot application requirements; absentee voting in person availability; return of absentee ballots.

WV HB156

Securing our Elections Act of 2025This bill establishes certain photo identification requirements for voting in federal elections.Specifically, the bill prohibits a state or local election official from providing a ballot for a federal election to an individual who does not present valid photo identification.Next, the bill outlines the availability of provisional ballots and the requirements for counting those ballots. In particular, an individual who does not present a valid photo identification must be permitted to cast a provisional ballot. However, an election official may not determine that the individual is eligible under state law to vote in the election unless, not later than three days after casting the provisional ballot, the individual presents (1) the identification required, or (2) an affidavit attesting that the individual does not possess the identification because of a religious objection to being photographed.An election official may not allow for voting methods other than in-person voting unless the individual submits the ballot with (1) a copy of their photo identification, or (2) the last four digits of their Social Security number with an affidavit attesting that the individual is unable to obtain a copy of a valid photo identification after making reasonable efforts to obtain a copy. This prohibition shall not apply to overseas military voters.The bill also requires a state to provide an individual with a valid photo identification without charge if that individual presents an affidavit attesting to an inability to afford or otherwise obtain a valid photo identification.

WV H5311

Allows the board of elections to tabulate mail ballots in local special elections in the same manner as in tabulate mail ballots in statewide elections.

WV S0815

Allows the board of elections to tabulate mail ballots in local special elections in the same manner as in tabulate mail ballots in statewide elections.

WV SF3315

Voters who register on election day requirement to cast provisional ballots

WV SB905

Requiring election officials to capture and publish ballot images

WV HB479

Voting, statewide voter registration database, identifying voter address changes, Electronic Registration Information Center removed as verification database

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.