Secretary of State backs bill to mail neutral guides explaining statewide ballot measures

Senate Bill 2230 would require the Secretary of State to distribute objective, plain‑language informational materials describing statewide ballot questions, including what a yes or no vote would do and the measure's origin, to active voters ahead of statewide elections.

Senator Yana Bridal (bill sponsor) told the Government and Veterans Affairs Committee she introduced the measure after constituents repeatedly asked for clearer information explaining complex constitutional measures. The Secretary of State, Michael Howe, testified the office supports the bill and presented a fiscal note estimating a $600,000 appropriation to mail pamphlets to roughly 450,000 active voters (active = voted within the last four years). Howe said the pamphlet would be mailed 45 days before an election so overseas and military voters receive it alongside ballots.

Howe and the sponsor told the committee the materials would be neutral summaries that explain what a yes vote would change and what a no vote would preserve, and the pamphlet would also appear on the Secretary of State's website. Committee members questioned how the office would ensure objectivity and whether the pamphlet should be posted at polling locations; Howe said the office would not coordinate with advocates for or against a measure and that posting at polling locations could be added as a requirement.

Members asked about timing and whether 45 days led to the pamphlet arriving too early; Howe said the timing is tied to when overseas ballots go out and could be adjusted by committee direction. The Secretary also said he would prefer the mailing go to active voters rather than to a smaller "secure active" list that excludes people with protected addresses; he offered an amendment to that effect.

No committee vote on the bill was recorded in this hearing; the committee closed the public testimony after the Secretary of State's presentation.