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HF 2118

A bill for an act relating to an absentee ballot marking pilot program for voters with disabilities.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jon Dunwell and 1 co-sponsor

Iowa bill creates pilot program allowing voters with disabilities to use accessible equipment for marking absentee ballots, expanding mail-in voting independence.

Introduced, referred to State Government. H.J. 01/21.
#absenteevoting #ballots #disabilities #pilotprograms #voting
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 2118

Legislative bill overview

HF 2118 establishes a pilot program in Iowa to test absentee ballot marking systems specifically designed for voters with disabilities. The bill would allow eligible voters with disabilities to use specialized equipment or assistance to mark their ballots when voting by mail, rather than only having these accommodations available for in-person voting.

Why is this important

Voters with disabilities currently have full accessibility accommodations at polling places but lack equivalent options for absentee voting, which can create barriers to mail-in participation. This pilot program could expand voting independence and accessibility for a significant portion of the electorate who rely on adaptive equipment or assistance.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and implementation: Establishing pilot programs requires funding, equipment procurement, and staff training, which fiscal conservatives may oppose without detailed budget analysis
  • Security and verification concerns: Some may worry that remote ballot marking systems could complicate ballot security, chain of custody, or verification procedures compared to in-person voting
  • Scope and duration questions: Stakeholders may debate which disability categories qualify, how many counties participate, pilot duration, and whether successful results automatically expand the program statewide

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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