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HB 2098

To reduce the chances of election fraud

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Larry Kump

House Bill 2098 strengthens voter registration in West Virginia by creating a centralized database, ensuring accurate records, and reducing election fraud risks.

To House Judiciary
#elections
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2098

Summary of House Bill 2098: Reducing the Chances of Election Fraud

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: HB 2098
- Title: To reduce the chances of election fraud
- Status: To House Judiciary
- Introduced: January 29, 2025
- Classification: Bill
- Subject: Elections

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2098 aims to enhance the integrity of the electoral process in West Virginia by clarifying and strengthening the requirements for voter registration. The bill seeks to reduce the potential for election fraud through improved data management and verification processes.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant provisions regarding the management of voter registration:

  1. Statewide Voter Registration Database:

    • Establishes a centralized, interactive computerized database to maintain an official list of all legally registered voters in West Virginia.
    • The database will include essential information such as names, registration details, and voting history.

  2. Unique Voter Identifiers:

    • Each registered voter will be assigned a unique identifier to streamline tracking and management.

  3. Data Coordination:

    • The database will be coordinated with other state agency databases to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness.

  4. Electronic Access:

    • Authorized personnel, including the Secretary of State and county clerks, will have immediate electronic access to the database for efficient management.

  5. Voter Registration Maintenance:

    • Regular maintenance will be conducted to remove ineligible voters, including those who are deceased or have felony status.
    • Procedures will be established to ensure that duplicate entries are eliminated from the database.

  6. Application Requirements:

    • Voter registration applications must include specific identification information, such as a driver's license number or the last four digits of a Social Security number.
    • If an applicant lacks these identifiers, a unique number will be assigned for registration purposes.

  7. Interagency Agreements:

    • The Secretary of State will enter into agreements with the Division of Motor Vehicles and other relevant agencies to verify the accuracy of voter registration information.

Impact

  • Affected Parties: The bill will impact all legally registered voters in West Virginia, election officials, and state agencies involved in the voter registration process.
  • Election Integrity: By implementing a more robust voter registration system, the bill aims to bolster public confidence in the electoral process and reduce the likelihood of fraudulent activities.

Procedural Aspects

  • Timeline: The bill was introduced on January 29, 2025, and is currently under consideration by the House Judiciary Committee. Further legislative actions will determine its progression through the legislative process.
  • Next Steps: The bill will undergo discussions and potential amendments in committee before being scheduled for further readings and votes in the House.

This summary provides an overview of House Bill 2098, highlighting its objectives, key provisions, and potential impacts on the electoral process in West Virginia.

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

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