This bill amends Iowa's election laws with a focus on enhancing the address confidentiality program and refining absentee voting procedures. Notably, it allows individuals at risk of domestic abuse to provide the name and contact information of a shelter instead of their physical address. The bill also establishes that the Secretary of State must cancel a participant's certification for reasons such as providing false information or upon the participant's death. Additionally, it introduces new requirements for absentee ballots, including the use of specific envelopes, a prohibition on ranked choice and instant runoff voting, and mandates that absentee ballots must be received by 5:00 p.m. the day before the election.

Further changes include the introduction of a statewide voter registration database verification pilot program aimed at identifying ineligible voters and improving the accuracy of voter registration files. The bill clarifies the eligibility criteria for federal candidates and limits objections to specific legal grounds. It also modifies the absentee ballot return process, requiring signed affidavits and eliminating the use of ballot drop boxes. These amendments are set to take effect on January 1, 2026, with some provisions effective immediately upon enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 9E.3, 9E.5, 43.18, 43.24, 44.3, 44.6, 54.5, 49.93, 39A.4, 53.8, 53.33, 53.12, 53.16, 53.17, 53.22, 53.17A, 53.30, 53.23, 43.2, 53.25, 53.18, 49.88, 49.90, 49.89, 347.9