WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SF 159

A bill for an act relating to voter records created and retained by the state commissioner of elections and county commissioners of elections.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sandy Salmon

SF 159 streamlines voter record management, enhances transparency, and requires detailed ballot logs in larger counties, improving electoral integrity and accessibility.

Subcommittee: Rozenboom, Schultz, and Winckler.
#absenteevoting #administrativerules #countygovernment #electionsandpolitics #recordsandpublications #voterregistration #voting
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SF 159

Summary of SF 159: Voter Records Legislation

Bill Number: SF 159
Introduced: January 29, 2025
Current Status: Subcommittee: Rozenboom, Schultz, and Winckler
Classification: Bill
Subject Areas: Absentee Voting, Administrative Rules, County Government, Elections and Politics, Records and Publications, Voter Registration, Voting

Purpose and Intent

The primary aim of SF 159 is to regulate the creation and retention of voter records by the state commissioner of elections and county commissioners of elections. The bill seeks to streamline the process of maintaining voter registration records while ensuring transparency and accessibility of these records for legitimate purposes.

Key Provisions

  1. Restrictions on Additional Requirements:

    • The state registrar of voters is prohibited from imposing any additional requirements for preparing lists of registered voters beyond those specified in existing laws (Code sections 48A.38 and 48A.39).

  2. Immediate Preparation of Voter Lists:

    • Upon meeting the established requirements, the state registrar must promptly prepare a list of registered voters.

  3. Definition of Bona Fide Political Research:

    • The bill defines "bona fide political research" to include activities aimed at researching and maintaining the voter registration database.

  4. Creation of Election Records:

    • The state commissioner of elections is required to create a comprehensive record of all information in the statewide voter registration database for each voter who participated in an election. This record must be organized by county and maintained for eight years.

  5. Access to Records:

    • Individuals may request an electronic copy of the voter record at no cost.

  6. Ballot Logging Requirements:

    • County commissioners in counties with populations of at least 100,000 must maintain a log of each ballot cast during primary and general elections. This log must include:
      • Ballot sequential identification number
      • Timestamp
      • Method of voting
      • Selection of candidates
      • Batch identification number
      • Tabulator identification number
    • Importantly, the log must not contain any personally identifiable information about voters.

Impact

  • Affected Entities:

    • The bill will primarily affect state and county election officials, as well as voters in counties with populations exceeding 100,000.

  • Transparency and Accountability:

    • By mandating the creation of detailed logs and records, the bill aims to enhance transparency in the electoral process and improve the integrity of voter registration databases.

  • Research and Data Maintenance:

    • The definition of bona fide political research may facilitate better data management and research efforts related to voter registration.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced and referred to the State Government committee on January 29, 2025.
  • It is currently under consideration by a subcommittee consisting of members Rozenboom, Schultz, and Winckler as of February 4, 2025.

This summary provides an overview of SF 159, highlighting its main objectives, key provisions, and potential implications for the electoral process in the state.

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

Sign in to ask a question.