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Bill

A 4449

Relates to prohibiting ballot harvesting

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Ken Blankenbush and 7 co-sponsors

Bill A 4449 prohibits ballot harvesting, limiting who can collect mail-in ballots to enhance election integrity and reduce fraud, impacting voters and political organizations.

REFERRED TO ELECTION LAW
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 4449

Summary of Bill A 4449: Prohibiting Ballot Harvesting

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: A 4449
  • Title: Relates to prohibiting ballot harvesting
  • Status: Referred to Election Law Committee
  • Introduced On: February 4, 2025
  • Classification: Legislative Bill

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill A 4449 is to prohibit the practice of ballot harvesting in the electoral process. Ballot harvesting refers to the collection of completed mail-in ballots by individuals or organizations, which can raise concerns about voter coercion, fraud, and the integrity of the election process. This bill aims to enhance the security and transparency of elections by restricting who can collect and submit ballots on behalf of voters.

Key Provisions

  • Prohibition of Ballot Harvesting: The bill explicitly bans individuals or organizations from collecting and submitting mail-in ballots on behalf of voters, with exceptions only for specific authorized individuals, such as family members or caregivers.
  • Enforcement Mechanisms: The bill outlines potential penalties for violations of the ballot harvesting prohibition, although specific penalties are not detailed in the current version.
  • Voter Education: The bill may include provisions for educating voters about the changes to the ballot submission process and the importance of safeguarding their votes.

Affected Parties

  • Voters: The bill primarily impacts voters who utilize mail-in ballots, as it restricts the options available for submitting their votes.
  • Election Officials: Local and state election officials will need to implement new procedures to ensure compliance with the prohibition on ballot harvesting.
  • Political Organizations: Groups that previously engaged in ballot harvesting practices will be directly affected, as they will need to adjust their strategies for voter outreach and ballot collection.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status: As of February 4, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Election Law Committee for further consideration and discussion.
  • Related Legislation: Bill A 4449 is related to several prior-session bills, including:
    • A 10631
    • A 4929
    • A 1966
  • Companion Bill: There is a companion bill, S 1445, which may address similar issues in the Senate.

Conclusion

Bill A 4449 seeks to strengthen the integrity of the electoral process by prohibiting ballot harvesting. By limiting who can collect and submit mail-in ballots, the bill aims to reduce the potential for voter fraud and ensure that elections are conducted fairly. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its implications for voters and election practices will be closely monitored.

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

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