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Committee introduces bill to tighten absentee ballot eligibility; adds age exemption
Summary
Representative Joe Alfieri introduced RS 32,124 proposing narrower criteria for absentee ballots and an explicit qualification that anyone 65 or older may apply. Lawmakers questioned wording, enforcement, and whether the change would affect working voters; the committee voted to introduce the proposal for print.
Representative Joe Alfieri of Coeur D'Alene introduced RS 32,124 to change how absentee ballots are distributed and to narrow the qualifying reasons for receiving an absentee ballot, while adding a specific allowance that “anyone over 65 can also apply for an absentee ballot with no issue.”
Alfieri told the committee the bill is intended to reduce a perceived fraud risk associated with mailed ballots, saying that when ballots are mailed “you lose the chain of command” and that in-person voting provides more secure identification checks. He said the proposal revises the reasons that permit absentee voting to a shorter list — for example, military service, being out of state for school or diplomatic missions, infirmity, or living in a jurisdiction that only offers absentee ballots — and adds the age qualification.
The bill faces clarification questions from committee members about how the language would be enforced. Representative Barbieri pressed Alfieri on a provision beginning at line 27 that reads, in part, “No person shall represent the eligibility requirements for voting by absentee ballot provided in section 1 of this section to any elector or prospective absentee,” asking whether the text unintentionally targets someone telling another voter about eligibility. Alfieri said that was not the intent and that the core purpose of that paragraph is to make clear that an elector who misstates their own qualifying circumstances could face criminal liability; he said clerks would not be asked to investigate every application.
Other lawmakers asked for empirical examples. A representative asked for “real examples of absentee voter fraud rather than potential examples” and for data on how absentee rules affect turnout; Alfieri said he has data he will present at the hearing. Representative Dygaard asked whether agricultural workers who must be away during election days — for example during cattle roundups — would be able to qualify; Alfieri said work can be a legitimate reason for an absentee ballot and pointed to early voting as an alternative, noting “you have 2 weeks to a month depending on the county” to vote early. Representative Mickelson raised concerns that young parents with multiple small children might be disadvantaged; Alfieri replied that early voting and weekdays in the preceding month provide opportunities to vote.
Committee member Representative Scott moved to introduce RS 32,124 for print. The committee approved the motion by voice vote; no roll call was recorded.
The bill language as presented includes an added age qualification (65 and older) and repeats that last year's version passed the House but did not clear the Senate. The bill will be scheduled for a formal hearing where Alfieri said he will provide supporting data on absentee-ballot fraud and turnout effects.
