Senator introduces measure to end Idaho personal voting affidavit; committee orders bill to print

Senator Brian Lenny, R-Nampa, on behalf of RS31849 told the Senate State Affairs Committee that the measure would eliminate Idaho's personal affidavit option that allows some voters to cast ballots without presenting photo identification. "RS31849 deals with an election integrity issue because right now in Idaho, you can show up to the polls and vote with no photo ID," Lenny said. "I know because I did it last year to test out the system."

Lenny said Idaho remains one of the few states that allows a voter to sign a personal affidavit in lieu of photo identification and that the proposal would remove that affidavit option. He argued that other routine transactions, such as purchasing alcohol or a firearm, require photo ID and said the affidavit creates "a loophole that's ripe for fraud."

The committee heard brief questions about how often the affidavit is used and whether ending it would affect absentee ballots. Lenny said use of the affidavit is low, citing a figure "somewhere under 1%" and "something like 2,000 people-ish" statewide; he offered to provide detailed data at a later hearing. He also said removing the affidavit would not affect absentee voting.

After the discussion, the committee voted to send RS31849 to print for a full committee hearing. "Motion by Senator Hartog, seconded by Senator Berndt that RS31849 be sent to print," the chair announced, and members voiced the motion as carried.

The printed bill will be scheduled for a full committee hearing where the secretary of state and other witnesses may present usage data and legal analysis.

Votes at a glance: Motion to send RS31849 to print—moved by Sen. Hartog, seconded by Sen. Berndt; voice vote, motion carried.