Senator introduces bill to eliminate affidavit option for Idaho voters; motion to print approved

Senator Brian Lenny, R-Nampa, introduced RS31849 to the Senate State Affairs Committee, saying the proposal would eliminate Idaho's option for voters to sign a personal affidavit in lieu of presenting photo identification at the polls. "All this bill does is eliminate the personal voting affidavit," Lenny said, adding he believes the affidavit is "a loophole that's ripe for fraud."

The measure was described as an "election integrity" change by Lenny, who told the committee he personally tested the current process and confirmed voters can obtain a ballot without a photo ID by signing the affidavit. He said Secretary of State data discussed with him showed use of the affidavit is under 1 percent of voters and on the order of "2,000 people-ish," and offered to bring more detailed statistics for a full hearing.

Committee members asked procedural and background questions. Senator Den Hartog asked whether removing the affidavit would affect absentee voting; Lenny answered that it would not. Senator Rudnicki and others requested the bill sponsor work with the Secretary of State to provide historical use and demographic breakdowns at the full hearing.

A motion to introduce RS31849 and send it to print was made and seconded. Motion by Senator Hartog, seconded by Senator Berndt that RS31849 be sent to print was taken by voice vote; the chair called for ayes and said the motion carried.

Next steps: the committee approved printing of RS31849 so the bill can move into the formal legislative process; Lenny said he will provide additional data and statistics for a future hearing.

Ending: The committee did not hold a final hearing or a recorded roll-call vote on the measure; the action recorded in the transcript is a voice vote to send the request to print.