WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 139

VOTING – Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding the conditions under which a voter may cast an absentee ballot and how a voter may receive an absentee ballot application.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill H 139 tightens absentee voting rules in Idaho, limiting eligibility to specific groups while preventing fraud and ensuring access for those in need.

Reported Printed and Referred to State Affairs
#counties #elections #secretaryofstate #votingandvoters
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 139

Summary of House Bill H 139: Absentee Voting Amendments

Purpose and Intent

House Bill H 139 aims to amend existing laws regarding absentee voting in Idaho. The legislation seeks to clarify the conditions under which voters may cast absentee ballots and to tighten the application process for obtaining absentee ballots. The bill responds to concerns about the increasing use of absentee ballots, which reached 49% in the 2024 election, and aims to prevent potential voter fraud while ensuring access for those who genuinely need it.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant changes to the absentee voting process:

  1. Eligibility for Absentee Voting:

    • Absentee ballots will only be available to registered voters who meet specific criteria, including:
      • Active military service
      • Illness, disability, or hospitalization
      • Work or educational commitments that prevent voting in person
      • Religious missions
      • Occupying a second residence outside the home county
      • Being 65 years of age or older
      • Residing in a mail ballot precinct

  2. Prohibition of Misrepresentation:

    • The bill prohibits any individual from misrepresenting eligibility requirements for absentee voting. Voters are also prohibited from misrepresenting their circumstances to election officials.

  3. Application Process:

    • Voters must request a blank absentee ballot application, which can be made available online.
    • No government entity may send unsolicited absentee ballot applications to voters.
    • Applications must be completed by the voter and cannot be prefilled with personal information.

  4. Primary Election Ballots:

    • The application for absentee ballots will include options for unaffiliated voters to indicate their party preference for primary elections, provided the political party allows unaffiliated voters to participate.

  5. Submission Deadlines:

    • Applications for absentee ballots must be received by the county clerk by 5:00 p.m. on the eleventh day before the election for mail-in ballots and by 5:00 p.m. on the Friday before the election for in-person absentee voting.

  6. Emergency Clause:

    • The bill includes an emergency clause, allowing it to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Impact

This legislation primarily affects registered voters in Idaho, particularly those who rely on absentee ballots due to various circumstances. By narrowing the eligibility criteria and tightening the application process, the bill aims to reduce the risk of voter fraud while ensuring that those who genuinely cannot vote in person retain their rights.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: February 04, 2025
  • Status: Reported Printed and Referred to State Affairs on February 05, 2025
  • Fiscal Impact: The bill is noted to have no fiscal impact on state or local government revenues or expenditures.

This summary provides an overview of House Bill H 139, highlighting its intent, key provisions, and potential implications for voters in Idaho.

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

Sign in to ask a question.