The bill amends various sections of the Iowa Code to improve the conduct of elections, focusing on election misconduct investigations, recount procedures, and the handling of nomination papers. A new subsection defines "election day" to encompass any day when in-person voting occurs. It requires law enforcement or state entities investigating election misconduct to notify the state commissioner immediately, with the governor being informed in cases involving the state commissioner. Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for managing incomplete voter registrations and enhancing the security of election equipment.

Significant changes include adjustments to recount procedures for public measures, specifying the conditions under which a recount can be requested based on vote margins, and modifying the composition of the recount board by removing the requirement for designees from petitioners. The bill also streamlines the nomination process for candidates in school and city elections by transferring responsibilities from school board secretaries to county commissioners of elections and clarifying the objection process for nomination petitions. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the integrity and efficiency of the electoral process in Iowa.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 39A.1, 53.10, 48A.37, 52.5, 53.23, 44.8, 44.7, 44.9, 277.3, 279.6, 277.4, 362.4