This bill amends Section 34-901 of the Idaho Code, which pertains to the identification of official election ballots. The amendments include changes to the language regarding how ballots are marked. Specifically, the phrase "upon" is replaced with "on" in multiple instances, clarifying the placement of the election date and the words "Official Election Ballot" on the ballot's face. Additionally, the term "marking" is replaced with "alphanumeric identifier," which will be printed on each ballot to prevent duplication, ensuring that each ballot has a unique identifier.

The bill also outlines the responsibilities of county clerks in relation to different types of ballots. For counties using optical scan ballots, clerks must ensure that the official identification is printed on each ballot and that each ballot has a unique alphanumeric identifier. For counties using paper or other types of ballots, clerks are required to provide an official election stamp, and in the event that the stamp is unavailable on election day, they must initial each ballot and write "stamped" on it. The bill declares an emergency and sets an effective date of July 1, 2025, for these changes to take effect.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 34-901