Bill
SF 158
SF 158 requires provisional ballots for same-day voter registrants, ensuring their votes count only if eligibility is confirmed, enhancing election integrity.
Bill Number: SF 158
Introduced: January 29, 2025
Current Status: Subcommittee: Rozenboom, Schultz, and Winckler
Classification: Bill
Subject Areas: Absentee Voting, Ballots, Elections and Politics, Felonies, Rights, Voter Registration, Voting
The primary purpose of SF 158 is to amend the voting process for individuals who register to vote on election day or while casting an in-person absentee ballot. The bill aims to ensure that these voters can still participate in elections by casting provisional ballots, which will be counted only if their eligibility is confirmed.
Provisional Ballots Requirement:
Under SF 158, any person registering to vote on election day or during in-person absentee voting must cast a provisional ballot. This is a significant change from current law, which allows these voters to cast regular ballots if their eligibility can be verified at the polling place using an electronic poll book.
Eligibility Verification:
The absentee and special voters precinct board is tasked with counting the provisional ballot only if it determines that the voter was eligible to vote. This adds a layer of verification to ensure that only eligible voters have their ballots counted.
Voter Registration on Election Day:
The bill affects individuals who choose to register on election day or during in-person absentee voting. By requiring provisional ballots, it aims to streamline the voting process while maintaining the integrity of the election.
Election Administration:
Election officials will need to adapt to the new requirement of handling provisional ballots for same-day registrants, which may involve additional training and resources to ensure proper verification processes are in place.
Introduced and Referred:
The bill was introduced on January 29, 2025, and has been referred to the State Government committee for further consideration.
Subcommittee Review:
As of February 4, 2025, the bill is under review by a subcommittee consisting of members Rozenboom, Schultz, and Winckler.
SF 158 represents a significant shift in the voting process for individuals registering on election day or during in-person absentee voting. By mandating the use of provisional ballots, the bill seeks to enhance the verification of voter eligibility while ensuring that all eligible voters have the opportunity to participate in elections.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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