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

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Cindy Golding

HF 91 alters election procedures by exempting federal candidates from certain disqualifications, banning ranked choice voting, and changing absentee ballot rules.

Introduced, referred to State Government.

#ballots #candidates #confidentiality #electionsandpolitics #secretaryofstate #voting

Summary of HF 91

Bill Number: HF 91
Title: A bill for an act relating to the duties of the secretary of state, including the address confidentiality program and the conduct of elections, and including effective date provisions.
Status: Introduced, referred to State Government
Introduced Date: January 17, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject Areas: Ballots, Candidates, Confidentiality, Elections and Politics, Secretary of State, Voting

Purpose and Intent

HF 91 aims to amend various aspects of election procedures and candidate eligibility in the state. The bill introduces changes that affect how candidates for federal office are nominated, how voting is conducted, particularly regarding absentee ballots, and the use of ranked choice voting. The intent is to streamline election processes and clarify the responsibilities of the Secretary of State.

Key Provisions

Division II - Candidate Eligibility Objections

Exemption for Federal Candidates: Candidates for federal office are exempt from signing a statement acknowledging disqualification due to felony convictions unless their rights have been restored.

Limited Objections: Objections to a candidate's eligibility can only be based on:

Legal sufficiency of the nomination petition or certificate of election.
Residency, age, or citizenship requirements as per the U.S. Constitution.

Presumption of Validity: For presidential and vice-presidential nominations, certificates of nomination are presumed valid, with objections limited to legal sufficiency.

Division III - Ranked Choice Voting

Prohibition of Ranked Choice Voting: The bill prohibits the use of ranked choice and instant runoff voting in state elections. This voting method allows voters to rank candidates by preference, but HF 91 disallows this practice.

Effective Date: This provision will take effect on January 1, 2026.

Division IV - Absentee Voters

Changes to Absentee Ballot Procedures:

The bill removes provisions that allowed county election commissioners to establish drop boxes for absentee ballot returns.
It mandates that absentee ballots mailed to voters must be enclosed in an unsealed affidavit envelope.

Impact

HF 91 will primarily affect:
- Candidates for Federal Office: By changing the requirements for candidate eligibility and objections.
- Voters: Particularly those who utilize absentee voting, as the bill alters how ballots can be returned.
- Election Officials: The bill imposes new requirements and restrictions on how elections are conducted, particularly regarding the handling of absentee ballots and the prohibition of ranked choice voting.

Procedural Aspects

The bill was introduced and referred to the State Government committee on January 17, 2025.

The provisions regarding candidate eligibility take effect upon enactment, while the ranked choice voting prohibition and absentee ballot changes will take effect on January 1, 2026.

This summary provides an overview of HF 91, highlighting its main objectives, key changes, and the potential implications for candidates and voters in the state.