Iowa House Bill HF2118

Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/26
• Refer: 1/21/26

Caption

A bill for an act relating to an absentee ballot marking pilot program for voters with disabilities.

Impact

The bill, if enacted, would require the state commissioner of elections to adopt specific rules for the pilot program. This pilot is intended to be implemented in multiple counties, as determined by the state commissioner, to assess its feasibility for potential statewide rollout. Reports on the program's progress must be filed annually with the general assembly, ensuring legislative oversight and accountability in the pilot's implementation.

Summary

House File 2118 aims to establish an absentee ballot marking pilot program specifically designed for voters with disabilities. This initiative allows individuals who cannot mark a ballot by hand due to their disabilities to independently and privately complete absentee ballots. The bill proposes the use of assistive technologies, ensuring that these voters can request absentee ballots by mail and utilize electronic voting devices that can produce paper records, thereby enhancing their voting accessibility and autonomy.

Contention

While the bill is an important step towards inclusivity in the electoral process, there may be discussions regarding its scope and effectiveness. Critics might question the adequacy of the pilot program's reach in terms of geographic coverage and resource allocation. Ensuring that sufficient counties are selected is crucial for a thorough evaluation that could lead to a statewide implementation beyond 2029, when the bill is set to be repealed unless extended.