STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
RS31387C1 / H0599
This legislation addresses the issue of “ballot harvesting” – which is the practice of third party individuals and
groups, many of them political activists or political parties, “harvesting” absentee or mail ballots from voters
and then delivering them to election officials for processing and counting. This legislation would generally
prohibit this practice by limiting ballot handling to those authorized to do so pursuant to Idaho law.
Idaho has not historically experienced ballot harvesting at scale. However, it has become a widespread practice
in some other states, where its practice places many voters’ ballots, and the sanctity of their vote, into the hands
of those who may have a partisan interest in the election’s outcome. These individuals may have a political
incentive to deliver certain ballots to the county clerk, but not others, based on the ballot harvester’s perception,
or a social/political database’s report, of the likely choices of the voter.
The specifics of this legislation are informed by the recommendations of the bipartisan Commission on Federal
Election Reform, in their 2005 report, Building Confidence in U.S. Elections. This legislation would limit
ballot handling to election officials, U.S. Mail and common carrier employees and contractors, family members,
caregivers, members of the voter’s household, and anyone hired by the voter to convey the ballot.
FISCAL NOTE
Between Idaho not historically having had problems with ballot harvesting at scale, and the effect of deterrence,
it is not expected that this legislation would result in any additional convictions, or costs associated with such.
Contact:
Representative Mike Moyle
Representative Brandon Mitchell
(208) 332-1000
DISCLAIMER: This statement of purpose and fiscal note are a mere attachment to this bill and prepared by a proponent
of the bill. It is neither intended as an expression of legislative intent nor intended for any use outside of the legislative
process, including judicial review (Joint Rule 18).
Statement of Purpose / Fiscal Note Bill SOP/FN INTRODUCED: 02/20/2024, 7:44 AM


Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 18-2316