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SD 628

An Act relative to safe and secure elections

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Peter Durant and 4 co-sponsors

SD 628 - An Act relative to safe and secure elections OverviewBill Number: SD 628 Title: An Act relative to safe and secure elections Status: Proposed bill Introduced: November

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Bill Summary · SD 628

SD 628 - An Act relative to safe and secure elections

Overview

Bill Number: SD 628
Title: An Act relative to safe and secure elections
Status: Proposed bill
Introduced: November 29, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary goal of this bill is to enhance the security and integrity of state and federal elections by implementing a series of measures to protect the voting process and increase transparency. The legislation is intended to safeguard against potential threats to election systems, restore public confidence in the electoral process, and ensure that all eligible citizens can freely and securely exercise their right to vote.

Key Provisions

  • Requires all voting machines and electronic poll books to be equipped with a voter-verified paper audit trail, enabling manual recounts and audits
  • Mandates post-election risk-limiting audits to validate the accuracy of election results
  • Establishes a statewide voter ID requirement, with provisions for free IDs and accommodations for voters without access to necessary documentation
  • Bans the unsolicited mass mailing of absentee/mail-in ballots, while preserving the option for voters to request such ballots
  • Imposes stricter voter registration deadlines and limits on early voting periods
  • Increases penalties for election-related crimes, such as voter intimidation and ballot tampering

Affected Parties and Impacts

This bill would impact all state and federal elections, as well as all registered voters within the state. The new voter ID requirement and changes to absentee/mail-in voting could create barriers to participation for certain demographic groups, such as the elderly, low-income individuals, and racial minorities. However, proponents argue that these measures are necessary to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

SD 628 has been introduced in the state legislature and is currently under consideration by the Senate Committee on Elections. If passed by the legislature, the bill would require the governor's signature to become law. The proposed changes would then need to be implemented by state and local election officials prior to the next statewide election cycle.

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

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