Rep. Alfieri introduces bill to narrow absentee ballot eligibility, adds age-based provision

Representative Joe Alfieri introduced RS 32,124 on the committee floor, a proposed change to state law that would narrow the reasons an elector may request an absentee ballot and add an explicit age qualification allowing anyone 65 or older to request one. The House committee voted to introduce the proposal for print.

Supporters framed the measure as an election-security step. "There is 1 change to what we've done this year and that is to put in an age qualification as well and that is that anyone over 65 can also apply for an absentee ballot with no issue," Representative Joe Alfieri said. He told the committee that mail ballots can weaken the "chain of command" and make it harder to verify voters' identities compared with in-person voting.

Alfieri listed categories of voters he said would remain able to use absentee ballots: people in the military, those on diplomatic missions, voters who will be out of state, students, people with infirmities and voters in districts that use only absentee ballots. He also said the draft would notify applicants that "if you do this you commit fraud, if you misapply for an absentee."

Committee members raised questions about enforcement and evidence. "I'd like to see some real examples of absentee voter fraud rather than potential examples. Let's look at the data," Representative Aquiles said, asking the sponsor to bring empirical examples to a future hearing. Alfieri replied that he could provide data during the hearing.

Representative Barbieri pressed for clarity on the bill's language about misrepresentation. Alfieri said the intent is to make clear that electors must truthfully declare the qualifying reason for an absentee ballot and that the bill does not direct clerks to perform individual eligibility investigations. "So, we're not going to be asking the clerks to follow-up and to determine that person actually has a reason for it," Alfieri said.

Some members voiced concern about uneven effects. Representative Mickelson said he worried the bill could favor older voters over young parents, asking whether the needs of those with young children were being considered. Alfieri recommended existing early voting windows as an alternative and said work or caregiving could qualify as a reason for an absentee ballot.

The committee moved to introduce RS 32,124. Representative Scott made the motion to introduce the bill for print; members responded with a voice vote and the motion carried. The measure will proceed to a printed bill and later public hearing where members requested the sponsor produce data, specific statutory language revisions and examples for enforcement and exceptions.