STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
RS28643 / H0223
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 prohibit this
practice by limiting ballot handling to those authorized to do so pursuant to Idaho law.
Idaho does not currently experience significant problems with ballot harvesting. 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 conflicted interest in the election’s outcome. These
individuals may have a political incentive to deliver to the county clerk certain ballots, but not others, based on
the ballot harvester’s perception or knowledge of the voter’s choices. Indeed, in 2018, there was at least one
U.S. Congressional election in which the election outcome was likely changed by a ballot harvester withholding
or tampering with absentee ballots. The purpose of this legislation is to help prevent such an outcome in any
Idaho elections.
The specifics of this legislation are based on the recommendations of the bipartisan Commission on Federal
Election Reform, in their 2005 report Building Confidence in U.S. Elections, and would limit ballot handling to
election officials, U.S. Mail carriers, employees of nationwide parcel delivery businesses, and acknowledged
family members.
FISCAL NOTE
Since Idaho does not currently have significant problems with ballot harvesting, it is not expected that this
legislation would result in any additional convictions, or costs associated with such.
Contact:
Representative Mike Moyle
(208) 332-1000
Jason Hancock, Deputy Secretary of State
(208) 334-2852
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: 02/22/2021, 10:09 AM