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HF 169

A bill for an act relating to the use of automatic tabulating equipment and optical scan voting systems.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Cindy Golding

HF 169 allows smaller cities and school districts to choose ballot counting methods based on expected turnout, enhancing efficiency and enabling voter petitions for automatic tabulation.

Introduced, referred to State Government.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 169

Summary of HF 169: Automatic Tabulating Equipment and Optical Scan Voting Systems

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: HF 169
- Title: A bill for an act relating to the use of automatic tabulating equipment and optical scan voting systems.
- Status: Introduced, referred to State Government.
- Introduced: January 30, 2025
- Classification: Bill
- Subject: Voting

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HF 169 is to amend existing laws regarding the use of automatic tabulating equipment and optical scan voting systems in elections, particularly for smaller cities and school districts. The bill aims to provide flexibility in how ballots are counted based on anticipated voter turnout, thereby potentially reducing costs and improving the efficiency of the electoral process.

Key Provisions

1. Determination of Ballot Counting Method

  • The commissioner is tasked with deciding whether ballots for elections in cities with populations of 3,500 or less, or for school districts, will be counted using automatic tabulating equipment or by precinct election officials.
  • This decision will be based on:
    • Voter turnout from recent similar elections.
    • Factors likely to affect voter turnout in the upcoming election.

2. Use of Paper Ballots

  • If the commissioner anticipates low voter turnout, they may opt for counting ballots by precinct election officials instead of using automatic tabulating equipment.
  • In such cases, paper ballots may be utilized, with instructions similar to those used for automatic tabulation.

3. Petition for Automatic Tabulation

  • Voters can petition for the use of automatic tabulating equipment even if the commissioner decides otherwise.
  • A petition must be signed by at least 100 eligible electors and submitted by 5:00 p.m. on the 42nd day before the election.

4. Optical Scan Voting Systems

  • The bill also amends provisions regarding the use of optical scan voting systems, stating that votes may be cast, registered, recorded, and counted using these systems unless directed otherwise by the commissioner.

Impact

Who is Affected?

  • Cities and School Districts: Smaller municipalities and school districts will have more flexibility in how they conduct elections, potentially leading to cost savings.
  • Voters: Eligible electors will have the opportunity to influence the method of ballot counting through petitions, enhancing voter engagement in the electoral process.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced on January 30, 2025, and has been referred to the State Government committee for further consideration.
  • The timeline for submitting petitions is critical, as they must be filed 42 days before an election to be considered.

Conclusion

HF 169 seeks to modernize and streamline the electoral process for smaller jurisdictions by allowing for more adaptable voting methods based on expected voter turnout. By enabling voters to petition for automatic tabulation, the bill promotes civic engagement and responsiveness in election administration.

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

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