Election Legislation 2024
ELECTION SCRUTINY: Concerns about legality of HB 1264 grow during Senate committee hearing
Author of House Bill 1264, Rep. Timothy Wesco, R-Osceola, said the measure strengthens election security in Indiana. (Photo/courtesy of Indiana House Republicans) By Marilyn Odendahl The Indiana Citizen February 13, 2024 As House Bill 1264, the elect
VOTERS’ VOICE: Ballot initiatives touted by Indiana Democrats stall in GOP-dominated Statehouse
(Photo/Pexels.com) By Marilyn Odendahl The Indiana Citizen February 2, 2024 Although the push for ballot initiatives was dead before the 2024 session of the Indiana General Assembly even started, a Democratic lawmaker pulled one last maneuver to show
Election security bill clears Indiana House and heads to Senate, dismissing Democrats’ concerns
(Photo/Xain Ballenger of TheStatehouseFile.com) By Marilyn Odendahl The Indiana Citizen January 31, 2024 A controversial election security bill passed the Indiana House Monday, as Democrats, saying the measure would prevent eligible Hoosiers, namely
Bills
House Bill 1265 (Various elections matter.)
This bill introduces a range of updates and clarifications to election procedures. It redefines certain election-related terms and establishes that certain absentee ballot processes can be endorsed electronically. The bill allows for electronic submissions by election officials and mandates that county election boards provide absentee voting reports with specific timing and methods. It emphasizes a uniform policy for handling voter registration information and requires annual reviews of voter registration records. The legislation also addresses the handling and confidentiality of election materials, modifies ballot arrangement rules, and expands access for certain individuals to polling places. Additionally, it facilitates changes to vote center plans and absentee voting processes, including signature verification and the handling of ballots with signature discrepancies. Employment rules for election workers are clarified, and the bill sets deadlines for filling candidate vacancies. It prohibits certain political appointments and extends provisions for handling candidate vacancies. Finally, the bill permits the disclosure of specific information for voter registration purposes and sets the ballot language for a constitutional amendment related to the state superintendent's succession role, along with making necessary conforming changes.
View DetailsHouse Bill 1133 (Use of digitally altered media in elections.)
This bill addresses the issue of digitally altered media in elections by defining "fabricated media" as audio or visual content of a person that has been altered or artificially created without their consent, in a way that inaccurately depicts their speech, appearance, or conduct and is indistinguishable from reality by a reasonable person. It mandates that political campaign communications containing such fabricated media must include a clear disclaimer identifying the media as altered. If this disclaimer is not included, the misrepresented candidate or officeholder has the right to pursue legal action against the parties responsible for distributing the misleading content.
View DetailsHouse Bill 1264
This bill aims to enhance election security by setting stricter guidelines for voter registration and participation. It prohibits local election bodies from affiliating with organizations that have financed election activities. It also tightens proof of residency requirements for voter registration, mandates checks for nonresidential addresses in voter registrations, and allows for the use of commercial data to verify voter information. Additionally, it outlines procedures for addressing potential issues with voter registrations, such as non-citizenship or changes in residency, to ensure the integrity of the voter list.
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