Committee introduces measure to direct Secretary of State to audit voter rolls

Representative Crane introduced RS 32-463, an interim request to codify legislative intent that the secretary of state “must strive to maintain accuracy and integrity of Idaho statewide voter registration system and ensure that only eligible voters in the state of Idaho are registered to vote in Idaho elections.”

The proposal directs the secretary of state to “request, receive, and utilize data” from state agencies — including the Department of Health and Welfare, Department of Transportation and the Department of Corrections — and to cooperate with other government entities to “prevent and fight against voter fraud.” Representative Crane said the language mirrors a previous proposal he had filed and that the newer draft reflects coordination with the secretary of state’s office and Representative Mitchell.

Committee members asked whether federal databases referenced in an earlier draft remain included. Representative Crane and Representative Mickelson identified language later in the draft that lists federal sources, including the Department of Homeland Security SAVE database and related conviction records, and said those items were retained. Representative Crane said he was “comfortable with the language.”

Representative Mickelson moved to introduce RS 32-463; the committee approved the motion by voice vote. The motion passed without a roll-call tally recorded in the transcript.

The committee will refer the interim request for printing and possible future hearings; Representative Crane indicated he would provide full testimony at a later public hearing.