A bill for an act relating to the duties of the secretary of state, including the address confidentiality program and the conduct of elections.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sandy Salmon

SF 94 enhances absentee voting by streamlining ballot requirements and timelines, while improving voter registration security and ensuring election integrity.

Subcommittee: Rozenboom, Schultz, and Winckler.

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Summary of SF 94: Duties of the Secretary of State

Bill Number: SF 94
Introduced On: January 22, 2025
Current Status: Subcommittee: Rozenboom, Schultz, and Winckler
Classification: Bill
Subject Areas: Absentee Voting, Affidavits, Ballots, Candidates, Confidentiality, Elections and Politics, Pilot Programs, Secretary of State, Voter Registration, Voting

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of SF 94 is to amend and clarify the duties of the Secretary of State concerning election processes, particularly focusing on absentee voting and voter registration. The bill aims to enhance the integrity and efficiency of the electoral process while ensuring voter confidentiality and accessibility.

Key Provisions

Changes to Absentee Voting

Affidavit Requirements:

The bill repeals certain existing requirements for materials that must accompany absentee ballots.
It mandates that absentee ballots include an affidavit envelope, which must contain the voter’s verification number.

Ballot Rejection Criteria:

Absentee ballots will be rejected if the affidavit envelope does not include the voter’s verification number.

Mailing and Return Timeline:

County commissioners of elections are allowed to mail absentee ballots starting 22 days before an election.
Absentee ballots must be returned to the county commissioner’s office by 5:00 p.m. on the day before the election.
The bill requires that ballots be recorded as received by 11:59 p.m. on the day before the election.

Voting Booth Regulations

The bill amends existing laws to clarify that candidates standing for election cannot occupy the voting booth with a voter, reinforcing the integrity of the voting process.

Voter Registration Database Pilot Program

The bill establishes a pilot program requiring the state registrar of voters to contract with a third-party vendor to develop or provide a voter registration database. This initiative aims to improve the management and security of voter registration data.

Impact

Affected Parties

Voters: The changes to absentee voting procedures and the introduction of a voter registration database will directly affect voters, particularly those utilizing absentee ballots.

County Election Officials: The bill imposes new responsibilities and timelines for county commissioners of elections, requiring adjustments in their operational procedures.

Candidates: The regulations regarding voting booths will impact candidates' interactions with voters during the election process.

Procedural Aspects

The bill was introduced and referred to the State Government committee on January 22, 2025, and is currently under consideration by a subcommittee consisting of members Rozenboom, Schultz, and Winckler.

This summary provides an overview of SF 94, highlighting its intent, key provisions, and potential impacts on the electoral process in the state.