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Committee introduces bill to tighten absentee ballot eligibility, adds age‑65 provision
Summary
Rep. Joe Alfieri introduced RS 32,124, which would narrow qualifying reasons for absentee ballots and add an explicit provision allowing any voter over 65 to apply for an absentee ballot without additional proof. Lawmakers questioned enforcement mechanics, evidence of fraud and potential effects on young families.
Representative Joe Alfieri of Coeur D'Alene introduced RS 32,124 at a committee meeting, proposing narrower eligibility for absentee ballots and a provision that permits any voter aged 65 or older to apply for an absentee ballot without further qualification.
Alfieri said the proposal is intended to reduce what he described as a potential avenue for fraud. "By putting something in the mail you lose the chain of command. You don't have the ability to track what's happened," Alfieri said, adding that in‑person voting allows poll workers to verify a voter's identity.
The measure lists several legitimate reasons for absentee voting, including military service, diplomatic missions, being out of state for school, infirmity, and living in a district that uses only absentee ballots. Alfieri said the draft also notifies applicants that misrepresenting eligibility could carry criminal liability; he clarified clerks would not be required to follow up to prove an applicant's stated reason.
Lawmakers on the committee pressed for details. Representative Barbieri asked Alfieri to "give me a little better idea of what you're trying to do" with language tied to line 27 of the draft; Alfieri said the intent is to make clear that an elector who misstates qualifying circumstances would face liability. Representative Akiles asked for concrete examples and data, saying, "I'd like to see some real examples of absentee voter fraud rather than potential examples. Let's look at the data."
Representatives also raised practical concerns about how the eligibility limits would work in rural and agricultural communities. Representative Dygaard described seasonal work that can keep voters away on election day and asked whether those voters would still qualify; Alfieri pointed to early voting windows and said work can be a legitimate reason for absentee voting. Representative Diagart asked who would make determinations about work or other reasons; Alfieri responded individuals would be expected to obey the law and that clerks would not be conducting follow‑up verification.
Representative Mickelson questioned whether the bill would favor older voters and asked about accommodations for young parents, saying he did not "see anything in here that addresses the needs of young families." Alfieri replied, "We're not trying to limit people's participation at all," and reiterated that early voting and other options are available.
The committee voted by voice to introduce RS 32,124; Representative Scott moved to introduce the measure. No further scheduling or hearing dates were specified during the discussion recorded in the transcript.
Votes at the meeting were taken by voice; the motion to introduce RS 32,124 was carried by voice vote with no roll call recorded in the transcript.
