Idaho representative introduces bill to narrow absentee ballot eligibility, adds automatic qualification for voters 65 and older

Representative Joe Alfieri of Coeur d'Alene introduced RS 32,124, a proposal to change the method of distribution and the qualifications for absentee ballots in Idaho and to add an automatic absentee qualification for voters aged 65 and older.

Alfieri told the committee that the bill narrows the list of acceptable reasons to request an absentee ballot — citing military service, diplomatic missions, being out of state for work or school, infirmity, or living in a jurisdiction that uses only absentee ballots — and adds an age-based qualification. “By using the mail, we lose that security,” Alfieri said. “When you go to vote in person you are identifying yourself to the poll worker. They’re verifying who you are and that is a very secure method.”

The measure was introduced for print after a motion by Representative Scott and a voice vote in committee. Committee members asked several clarifying questions but took no final substantive action on the bill at this meeting; the motion to introduce RS 32,124 passed and the measure will proceed to the next steps in committee.

Questions at the table focused on how the bill would be enforced and whether it might limit access for some voters. Representative Barbieri asked about language on page 1, line 27, which appears to address misrepresentation of eligibility. Alfieri said the intent is to warn electors that misapplying for an absentee ballot could be criminal fraud but that clerks would not be required to independently verify applicants’ reasons: “What we’re trying to do is to let people know that there is a potential criminal liability for misapplying for a ballot. So, we’re not going to be asking the clerks to follow-up and to determine that person actually has a reason for it,” he said.

Other members pressed for data and practical examples. Representative Aquiles asked for actual examples of absentee ballot fraud rather than possible scenarios and asked the sponsor to bring empirical evidence to a later hearing. Representative Dygaard and Representative Mickelson raised concerns about whether the bill would account for agricultural workers, parents of young children, or others who may be legitimately unable to vote in person on election day; Alfieri repeatedly pointed respondents to existing early voting periods and said work or agricultural duties could qualify someone for an absentee ballot under the bill’s listed reasons.

The committee did not adopt amendments or set a hearing record beyond the introductory motion at this meeting. The sponsor said he would provide supporting data during a subsequent hearing.