Committee introduces RS 32,124 to tighten absentee ballot eligibility and add automatic qualification for voters 65 and older

The State Affairs Committee voted to introduce RS 32,124, a proposal from Representative Joe Alfieri of Coeur D'Alene that would change how absentee ballots are distributed and add an automatic absentee qualification for anyone 65 or older.

Alfieri told the committee the bill narrows reasons for issuing absentee ballots because "it has been found across the country that [mail ballots] is a potential area for fraud and the reason that that potential exists is that by putting something in the mail you lose the chain of command." He said in-person voting remains "a very secure method" because poll workers verify identity.

Alfieri said the measure retains exemptions for established reasons to request absentee ballots, including military service, diplomatic missions, being out of state for school, infirmity and living in a district that uses only absentee voting. He also noted the version before the committee adds an age qualification so that "anyone over 65 can also apply for an absentee ballot with no issue." He said a prior iteration of the legislation "passed the House" last year but did not make it through the Senate.

Committee members asked for clarification and raised concerns. Representative Barbieri pressed language on page 1, line 27, asking whether a provision that reads as barring third parties from "represent[ing] the eligibility requirements" could be read to criminalize someone explaining eligibility; Alfieri said that was not his intent and the language could be revised. Representative Aquiles asked for actual examples and data on absentee-ballot fraud rather than theoretical concerns and asked the bill to explain the mechanics of how someone would know in advance they would be unable to return a ballot. Representative Dygert asked whether seasonal agricultural workers who are gone during election windows would be covered; Alfieri replied that early voting and legitimate work-related reasons could qualify a voter for an absentee ballot. Representative Mickelson said the bill appears to favor older voters and asked whether young parents with limited child-care options would be disadvantaged; Alfieri suggested early voting options and said he would bring turnout data to a hearing.

Representative Scott moved to introduce RS 32,124. The committee approved the motion by voice vote; no roll-call tally was recorded in the transcript.

The committee advanced the measure for printing and formal consideration; no hearing date was announced in the transcript.