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Senate panel hears divided testimony on S.297 to let towns pilot electronic ballot return
Summary
The Senate Committee on Government Operations heard proponent testimony that S.297 would expand access for voters with disabilities and overseas voters by allowing municipalities to opt in to electronic ballot return with required paper transcriptions and security standards, while municipal clerks and cybersecurity critics warned of malware, vendor risks and implementation challenges. The committee asked for further testimony from town clerks and security experts before advancing the bill.
The Senate Committee on Government Operations heard testimony Feb. 10 on S.297, a bill that would permit municipalities to adopt an "electronic ballot return" system for Australian‑ballot local elections if they choose. Witnesses disagreed sharply over whether the measure would improve access or introduce unacceptable cyber‑risks.
Sponsor and purpose: Senator Hesham Rob Hinsdale introduced the bill as a narrowly tailored, municipal opt‑in approach designed to expand access for voters who face barriers — including people with disabilities, military and overseas voters, and those affected by unreliable mail service. Hinsdale told the committee the bill is intended to preserve a paper record while letting towns pilot electronic return options and begin conversations about appropriate safeguards.
What the bill says: Tucker Anderson, legislative counsel, told the committee S.297 adds a new section to Title 17 to define "electronic ballot return" and a "qualified electronic transmission system". Anderson said municipalities that adopt the system at a properly warned annual or special meeting could send and receive ballots via a qualified system, but that ballots…
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