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Idaho senator proposes eliminating personal affidavit option for in-person voting
Summary
Sen. Brian Lenny introduced RS31849, a request study to remove the option for voters to use a personal affidavit in lieu of a photo ID; the Senate State Affairs Committee voted to send the request to print for a full hearing.
Sen. Brian Lenny, R-Nampa, told the Senate State Affairs Committee that RS31849 would remove the option for voters to present a personal affidavit instead of photo identification when casting an in-person ballot.
"Right now in Idaho, you can show up to the polls and vote with no photo ID. I know because I did it last year to test out the system," Lenny said. He said the proposal would “close” what he called a “loophole” and compared the requirement for ID to other age- or identity-restricted purchases.
The proposal drew initial questions about usage and impacts. Lenny said the secretary of state’s office had indicated the affidavit option was used by a small share of voters — “less than 1%” and “something like 2,000 people, ish” — and said he would provide fuller data at a later hearing. He also told the committee that removing the affidavit would not affect absentee voting.
Committee members asked for background information, including when the affidavit option was adopted and whether particular demographic groups use it more frequently. Lenny said he would work with the secretary of state and bring statistics to a full hearing.
The committee voted to send RS31849 to print for a formal hearing. Motion by Sen. Patrick (Hartog), seconded by Sen. Berndt, that RS31849 be sent to print, carried on a voice vote.
The request will be printed for consideration at a later, full hearing where proponents, opponents and official data are expected to appear.
