Meeting Public Comments

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SSB 1199

A bill for an act relating to the conduct of elections, including absentee ballots and voter list maintenance activities, making penalties applicable, and including effective date provisions.(See SF 413.)

Agenda

Subcommittee members: Smith, R.-CH, Jochum, Schultz

Date: Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Time: 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Location: RM 111

Comments Submitted:

The purpose of comments is to provide information to members of the subcommittee.

Names and comments are public records. Remaining information is considered a confidential record.

02-16-2021

Christine Sommers

I'm extraordinarily disappointed by this bill, which aims to cut days for early voting by one third, hiring forprofit outside parties to kick more people off the voting rolls, allowing for just one ballot drop box per county in the auditor's office, and disallowing prefilled information on ballot requests other than the election date. All of this is NOT intended to make our election process safer, but is clearly pointed at voter suppression in as many sneaky ways as possible. Where are the bills aimed at supporting voter turnout and encouraging everyone to make their voice heard at the ballot box? Vote NO to SSB 1199.

02-16-2021

Lisa O'Brink

This is a stupid bill. Makes you wonder if the bills sponsor has friends in the private sector wanting to make money by counting votes. For profit companies have employees that can be bought. Iowa has never had a voter fraud problem. And looking for a problem where one doesn't exist is a waste of time and money. There was no voter fraud in the election. This bill looks like voter suppression. If you cant win fair and square you are not allowed to cheat to win. Iowa government used to be better than this. Time for Iowa to be more progressive not try and slide back to 1950s white people Iowa

02-16-2021

dave ameling

You know every time I think repugs cannot go any lower, you do go lower. Other than trying to rig the election, what benefit does Iowa get from this bill??? ZERO!!!!!You are desecrating our state motto!!!!! After decades of elections, do you not understand THERE IS NO FRAUD!!!!!

02-16-2021

Gary Grimm

Please vote no on this bill. I am extremely opposed to this bill. Coming off of the most secure election in our nations history, it is nonsensical that we should restrict voting access when we should be working to make voting easier for everyone.

02-16-2021

Katarina Rich

I oppose this bill. There is no reason to add more barriers or to make it more difficult to vote in Iowa. There is no evidence of measurable voter fraud and these barriers will prevent Iowa's most vulnerable citizens from voting.

02-16-2021

Deb Hansen

I urge a NO vote on this dangerous bill. Voting is a right given to all citizens by the constitution, the effort should be made to ensure that right. Iowa has shown itself to hold fair, safe and secure elections, which makes one question why the change. Shortening the early voting days could very well effect people who travel for the winter. Purging voter roles is a terrible practice especially for missing one general election cycle. Limiting county auditors, who are elected by their county , to do their job is ridiculous. Allowing one drop box per county may be fine in smaller counties, in Polk the only box is located downtown, which may be a hardship for voters to get to. I am appalled by the partisanship of this bill. I once again strongly urge a NO vote.

02-16-2021

Kevin Walsh

Not so many years ago the Democracy of America was a shining light to the world. Please do NOT take away the voice of Iowans that is expressed through their ballot. As you may know, Iowans, who are working overtime, or two, or even three jobs, have little leisure time and no time to stand in a line to cast their ballot. Please reconsider any restrictions that would infringe on Iowan's right to cast their ballot.

02-16-2021

Esteban Serrano

02-16-2021

Rebecca Furlong

Your job as legislators should be to encourage voting. This bill does the opposite. Democracy is based on the right to vote rather than rigging the system so it becomes impossible for select groups of people to vote. I am strongly opposed to this bill. Vote NO.

02-16-2021

GRANT WILSON

I fail to see how spreadout rural iowa counties that are already given short shrift in priority of services will be again hit by restricting ballot boxes to 1 per county.Iowa doesnt have 99 identical counties. This is a solution outside of any concern with specifics and seeking problems that don't exist to fix.

02-16-2021

Rachel Bruns

I oppose this bill and any bill that would make it harder for my 89 year old grandmother to vote. We dont need to fix something that isnt broke. Our elections went relatively well in a pandemic, why are you proposing a bill that would have made it worse?

02-16-2021

Matthew Pester

02-16-2021

Mary Riewerts

Please vote No on this bill that is clearly seeking to support voter suppression in Iowa. We need to encourage all citizens of our state to vote, not make it harder for them to do so. What is the basis for change when we had record turn outs in many counties last year? Isnt the fact that more people voted in 2020 a positive sign that things were working as they were? Leave it alone & vote No.

02-17-2021

Alex Body

This bill seems to be a solution in search of a problem. Were there any documented cases of fraud in Iowa in the 2020 election? The provisions in this bill to restrict counties' ability to conduct elections in a manner that serves their populations seems misguided as well. We have counties in this state with populations ranging from roughly 4000 to 400,000. I'm also concerned that reducing the number of days for early voting, and intensified efforts to remove potentially eligible voters from being registered, will result in lower voter participation. I think it would be better to pursue policies that will increase voter participation.

02-17-2021

Thomas McIntyre

It's ridiculous that this bill is even being considered and I urge all legislators to oppose it. We are coming off the most closely watched, most investigated and most litigated national election and the evidence of fraud or wrongdoing was practically nonexistent. If anything, the last election showed the value and necessity of alternatives to inperson, electionday voting and it showed they can be managed and protected at the highest levels. This bill does not solve any problems (other than the ones people make up to serve their agenda) but would only make voting more difficult for voters who are already disadvantaged the poor, elderly and disabled. This bill is being advocated not by and for Iowans, but by outofstate political interest. Please oppose this bill.

02-17-2021

Jon Pepper

I am against this bill. And also attempts to fast track this bill.The points in this bill are voter suppression. Any time a bill makes voting more cumbersome or harder for anyone to vote, is an attempt at suppressing votes and taking away peoples right to vote.

02-17-2021

Thomas Carsner

American democracy is defended and supported by citizens voting to determine their leaders. Democracy demands that voting be made easy and convenient to encourage participation. These proposed rules all discourage greater participation and are antidemocracy ideas. There is no voter fraud on any scale that influences election outcomes. Rules should not be made for the exceptions but rather for the benefit of wider participation. I urge legislators to vote NO on this legislation.

02-17-2021

Dale March

I am opposed to most of the provisions of this bill. In principle, anything that makes it more difficult to vote us, in essence, IMHO, a poll tax on the disenfranchised. Im especially angry why fewer early voting days would be a goal of this Bill. Voting earlier should make it easier for the Auditors office to rally votes. And, from a partisan perspective, it forces a voter to make his or her decision before all of a candidates views might be exposed. Or expensive ads ran. Please vote No on all provisions in this Bill. Thanks.

02-17-2021

Julie Russell-Steuart [the Disability Caucus of the Iowa Democratic Party]

I urge you to say NO to this bill. Beyond making it harder for anyone to cast their vote by cutting the time frame from 28 days to 18 days for auditors to mail absentee ballots to voters, it also preemptively disenfranchises voters that did not participate in the last general election which is a change from "the last two consecutive elections". People with disabilities often rely on satellite voting locations or an accessible dropbox. By taking away the right of a commissioner to arrange satellite voting locations at their discretion and instead, making it less likely by requiring a petition of 100 eligible voters, this legislation hinders voter participation. And by making it one ballot drop box per county, it ignores the need of different population sizes, any kid with basic logic skills could explain this.

02-17-2021

Alison Cocks

We had record turnout in 2020. Republicans and Democrats had opportunities to vote. This is clearly voter suppression. Iowa has always been an example of the right to vote for all people. This is every Iowans constitutional right.

02-17-2021

ron patterson [personal]

I LOVE this antifraud bill.I have reviewed it and agree with most sections in it.I worked a polling place in Runnells and personally saw someone walk in 4 mentally handicapped people and sit them down to vote...as they instructed them.I would not be opposed to 12 day voting, with NO absentee allowed.

02-17-2021

Doris Kelley

Please vote "no" on this bill (SSB 1199). Republicans are doing everything they can to make voting in Iowa as difficult as possible. GOP legislators need a "checkup from the neckup" as they are no longer thinking properly and representing all Iowa citizens. It's sad when the Republican Party of Iowa starts acting in a vindictive manner to repress the voting process!

02-17-2021

Sandee Lyons

Voting is a RIGHT and we should be encouraging everyone who is eligible to exercise that right! This bill is meant to make voting harder and is so antidemocratic, it's despicable!!I oppose this bill. There is no reason to add more barriers or to make it more difficult to vote in Iowa. There is no evidence of measurable voter fraud and these barriers will prevent Iowa's most vulnerable citizens from voting.

02-17-2021

David Vandeventer

It seems to me that after a record turnout and limited voter misconduct found in the last election, that we should be simplifying the whole process rather than to add layers upon layers of additional requirements. This alwo seems to me a law written in Washington, D.C. rather than by Iowans made to benefit other Iowans. Your job as legislators is to simplify rules and regulations not to make living in Iowa more difficult and challenging than it already happens to be. My bet is that this is similar to legislation being introduced nationwide, which seems strange to me from a party that is such a strong proponent of states rights. Please vote no and stop introducing bills that take away our others as citizens.

02-17-2021

Kathryn Hall

Dear Members: Our state motto says it all: "Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain." Voting is a sacred right. It is essential to the basic foundation of a Democratic Republic. Here are my reasons you should set aside this bill that will damage our elections:Early voting days are cut by more than a third: Many Iowans work two jobs to survive. You are cutting access to voting for these folks. Intensified effort to kick people off voting rolls, including hiring forprofit third parties: Why don't you want Iowans to engage with the process of voting?Only one ballot drop box per county, in the auditors office: This might work for a town of 2000 but it doesn't work for larger cities. Sincerely,Kathryn HallOnly a household member, immediate family, or caretaker can drop off your ballot: See disabled people who live alone without caretakers and need assistance. They have a right to vote just like able bodied Iowans with family members. No prefilledout information on ballot requests other than election date: You wanted Iowans to verify they were legit. A prefilled ballot HELPS the county auditor speed up the process of intake.

02-17-2021

Carol Kay

Why do you want to make it harder for citizens to exercise their constitutional right to vote? This goes against everything the constitution stands for. We should be encouraging early voting, more access to mail in ballots, more drop boxes, for those who cannot get to the auditors office. This is nothing but more voter suppression, and the only reason can be you feel you cannot win unless you limit the number of people voting. We will fight you all the way to keep voters rights. Please listen to the people.

02-17-2021

Cathy Young [.]

I urge you to vote no on SSB1199. Iowa's voter turnout was excellent in 2020. It was a safe, secure election process of which Iowans can and should be proud. SSB1199 works to suppress voter participation, which is morally wrong. Please vote no on this bill.

02-17-2021

Bridget Montgomery

I urge you not to support this bill. Iowa has a long history of election integrity and this bill only serves to make it harder for Iowans, especially older Iowans and those who work in professions that make Election Day voting a challenge.

02-17-2021

John Olsen [self]

The 2020 General Election set a state record for voter participation with over 100,000 more voters than the previous record in 2012. By all standards, the election was well run and accurate. So, why change what works? What is the pressing need for this bill?I strongly urge you to oppose this bill for the following reasons.1) The shortening of the time period when voters are permitted to request absentee ballots is unnecessary. The shortening of the time period when absentee ballots are mailed out to just 18 days greatly restricts the opportunity for voters and county auditors to correct any issues that arise related to postal delivery or spoiled ballots. 2) Permitting the state to contract with a third party vendor to verify voter registration information across state lines could be a good thing. The problem is that this legislation fails to include any qualifications or standards that this third party vendor must meet. ERIC (Electronic Registration Information Center) is a highly regarded and reliable system used by half the states. Other systems such as Cross Check have had many issues with inaccurate matches and declining numbers of states participating in it.3) How does sending out postcards to nonvoters after every even year general election and marking them as inactive voters if they do not return the postcard contribute to keeping voter files clean since a large number of voters choose to only vote in presidential elections? This just creates more bureaucracy and will lead to an increase in purging voters.4) We need more candidates for office, not less. Increasing the number of voters required on candidate petitions will restrict ballot access to candidates with access to ample funding and therefore diminish the talent pool of candidates.

02-17-2021

Danielle Hoskins [None]

This bill is an entirely unnecessary attack on voting rights in the state of Iowa. There is no evidence of widespread fraud or voting irregularities, so the only reason to make it more difficult for Iowans to vote is that you know that if you kick people off rolls, if you reduce the number of ballot drop boxes, if you make it harder to obtain and mail in ballots, you reduce the number of people voting who are more likely to vote against your party. Voter suppression efforts like these significantly affect Iowans of lesser means, who may not be able to take time off work or be able to drive to a single drop box in their county. Just because GOP legislatures in other states have introduced similar voter suppression measures, which introduce obstacles to voting that do nothing to prevent fraud (which is not a widespread concern in any case), does not mean Iowa needs these bills. Vote NO on this bill and its shameful partisan attack on access to voting.

02-17-2021

Judith Benson

Here's my understanding of this bill:Early voting days are cut by more than a third.Hiring forprofit third parties to review and purge voter rolls.Only one ballot drop box per county, in the auditors office.Only a household member, immediate family, or caretaker can drop off your ballot. No prefilledout information on ballot requests other than election date.NO NO NO. I was SO PROUD of our Secretary of State's actions to facilitate voting here in Iowa during a Pandemic and I am a Democrat (planned to VOTE for him when he is up for reelection.) It was the kind of bipartisan majoritarian leadership we all need to aspire to! Why in the world would we go BACKWARDS with the kinds of provisions outlined above. Please REJECT.There WAS NO FRAUD in the 2020 election of any consequence anywhere in the US. Some60 courts ruled against the BIG LIE. We enjoyed increased voting options in IA and Republicans won. For heavens sakes let's use common sense and all of us commit facilitate to MORE not LESS voting in our state.

02-17-2021

Danica Baker

I oppose this bill.Voting is a right and it should be as accessible as possible.Most of the comments I've read here are in opposition to these restrictions. The constituents have spoken and if this bill passes, those who have voted in favor are going against the will of the people and that is in violation of their oath to represent their districts.

02-17-2021

Kevin Duggan

This seems to be a solution looking for a problem. We do not have voter fraud of any consequence in Iowa to be wasting time on something like this. Please reject this idea. Allow us to vote without unnecessary restrictions.

02-17-2021

Jonathan Chenoweth

This proposed bill would restrict democracy, not protect it. The safeguards currently in place are clearly working if the goal is to protect against fraud. Voter fraud is, objectively, an insignificant threat/problem, while access to voting is a clear need/priority. This bill is a solution to a problem that doesnt exist, and it creates barriers where they are not needed. This is indefensible.

02-17-2021

Rebecca Stadlman

Vote no on this bill. We had a record turnout in last year's election, and by all accounts it was done fairly and accurately. Why would you change that? All the changes in this bill would serve to suppress voting. The current system is working well and does not need to be changed. Voting is fundamental to our democracy. What prompted the changes in this bill? There are no known problems. Is this language prompted by ALEC?

02-17-2021

Marian Kuper

This bill is a blatant attempt to stifle early voting in Iowa. It is antidemocratic and completely unwarranted. It thwarts people from voting who already have enough difficulty meeting voting requirements. It is particularly hard on people of color, the elderly, the poor and the disabled. If this bill is enacted into law, I predict that it will enrage most Iowans who want nothing more than to safeguard the vote for every legally qualified citizen in the state. Back off!

02-17-2021

Marcia Grabinski

I have been a registered voter since I became eligible to vote (I am 72). I have voted in every local, primary and general election since I became eligible with the exception of one school board election. I am against this bill, it will make voting more difficult, especially for senior citizens and impoverished citizens to vote. This is nothing short of suppressing the vote. I strongly urge a no vote! Every citizen deserves the right to vote regardless of race or social status.

02-17-2021

Louise Esveld

Vote NO to SSB 1199. Iowa should absolutely be making voting easier not harder. Voting is a fundamental mental right and should be encouraged in any way possible. SSB 1199 would unfairly burden the elderly, the disabled, essential workers who have a hard time taking time off to go to the polls. Intended or not, adoption of this bill will result in voter suppression! Vote NO!

02-17-2021

Kathleen Christensen

How blatantly anti democratic this bill is. Paying an outside agency to reduce voter rolls? Shortening the early voting window? How about spending resources to increase participation in the democratic process? There are no good reasons for doing what this bill does.

02-17-2021

Jane Alderman

Why are we looking for ways to restrict voting? We should be looking for ways for all to be able to vote without jumping hoops. Legislators,is it that you don't want all the people to be able to vote? You talk about fraud in elections, but then fail to find it. This is legislation trying to solve a problem that doesn't exist. And a REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY should be looking for ways to enable all to vote.

02-17-2021

Kim Mayer

PLEASE VOTE NO on this bill! We should be encouraging more Iowans to vote....NOT pass bills that try to suppress the voters of Iowa. I used to be proud to be an Iowans,but the bills lately.....school vouchers,LGTBQ rights and voting rights are extremely offensive and will chase Iowans and businesses away!!!

02-17-2021

Bill Kallestad [Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council]

Good afternoon Senators, I want to thank you for your time and allowing me to comment on Senate Study Bill 1199. My name is Bill Kallestad, I am the Public Policy Manager at the Iowa Developmental Disability Council. As advocates for people with disabilities, we currently are against the Study Bill in its current form. The council believes and advocates for civic participation and the empowerment of the voice and vote of people with Disabilities. Areas of concerns in the Bill are the narrowed timeframes for absentee voting, prohibiting an auditor from sending an absentee ballot request to voters, the increased scrutiny in handwriting just to mention a few. We would also like to see more specifics about accessibility (that could be reflected in curbside voting and ballot boxes for example). Additionally, there are also thousands of Iowans living independently or with varied support. They receive support from a broader definition of community supports mentioned in the bill. The Iowa Developmental Disability Council has seen an increase in voter turnout, we advocate for more accessible rules and laws that allow people with disabilities to exercise their civic duty. Thank you for your time, we would appreciate the opportunity to discuss these concerns. Thank you!

02-17-2021

Janet Evans

VOTE NO on SSB 1199. This bill will make it more difficult for people like my elderly father to vote. He is a consistent and wellinformed voter, but living alone at 93 years is unable to make trips to the auditor's office, the post office, the polling siteso he relies on absentee voting. There are many voters who need flexibility and accessibility.

02-17-2021

Cyndi Boertje

Please vote NO on this bill. I cannot understand why Republicans want to make it HARDER for people to vote and why they want to take away people's VOICE in the process that directly affects them. This will hurt Republican voters too. All it will do is suppress votes and make people more cynical about politics and politicians. You were voted in to be in government and work within government and one of the first things you do this year is try to shut down parts of government? Voting is a constitutional right and you are putting SO MANY hurdles in the way for ALL citizens to vote it makes me think you really don't want a democracy.

02-17-2021

Melissa Sharkey

Voting is a privilege that all Iowans should have the right to exercise. Making it harder to vote by adding laws requiring IDs and shortening early / mailin ballots is taking away the right to vote for many Iowan's. Our elected officials should be encouraging people to vote, should be wanting to hear from real Iowan's regarding issues we face and that is heard through voting!Mailin ballots are how elderly vote. Mailin ballots are how those who travel a lot vote. Mailin ballots are how are men and women in the armed services vote. these Iowans deserve to be heard and the time to have these ballots mailed out, completed and returned should still be 40 days!

02-17-2021

Ronald Long

I vigorously oppose any hinderence to the voting privilege. Any changes should be increase voter participation. There should be analysis made for any change to ensure it in creases participation. All I see here is the opposite.

02-17-2021

Eric Sickler

I strongly oppose SSB 1199, a bill for an act relating to the conduct of elections, including absentee ballots and voter list maintenance activities, making penalties applicable, and including effective date provisions. On the heels of the most deadly, dangerous, divisive, repressive, and exclusionary state and national elections in recent history, the mere idea of clamping down on voting access and liberties in the State of Iowa not only threatens to further marginalize and disengage Iowa voters, it sends a pathetically obvious signal to nonvoters and futurevoters that they SHOULD SUSTAIN THEIR SILENCE with regard to participating in the electoral process in our state. This is a shameful partisan play carefully crafted to privilege the ruling class. Worse, it packs great potential to depress interest and activity in our constitutionally bestowed rights to participate in the life and governance of Iowa. Sadly, this feels predatory at best. Our state legislators should be making it simpler and easier to vote, in the name of state and national unity.

02-17-2021

Bill Kallestad [Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council]

02-17-2021

Jo Goff

This bill is ridiculous and totally unnecessary. There has been no evidence of mishandling of mailin ballots, and shortening the time line for absentee voting is silly. Voting is a fundamental part of our democracy and you, as legislators, should be making it easier for all of us not more difficult. Do not support this bill. Thank you.

02-17-2021

Kate Holt

i don't agree with this bill. The voting window needs to go back to 40 days . Not go to less than our current number. As a senior citizen who has used absentee ballots I think there needs to be adequate time. To cut it too close to the voting date I see as a form of voter suppression. Our democracy does not need to be hobbled in such a way.

02-17-2021

MICHAEL Bayer

I support efforts to improve our election integrity. Especially with the huge increase in absentee voting, we need to take steps to verify the identify of absentee voters before they receive a ballot. We also need to eliminate the ease with which ballot harvesting can occur in Iowa. We also need to verify US citizenship of existing and newly registering voters. (see attached file for citizenship verification)

Attachment

02-17-2021

Thomas ODonnell

Republicans have done well under the current system, but apparently still fear voters that may disagree with them. They also may see a threat to their political futures in the state's changing demographics, as their old, white constituents die and young, diverse voters increase. So this bill attempts to lock in an advantage to keep a minority party in charge. Donald Trump and the Republican Party coined the "stop the steal" slogan to promote the Big Lie of a rigged election. But it really applies here. Stop the steal from Iowa voters. Vote NO on this bill.

02-17-2021

Doug Sample

Anything that interferes with absentee ballots being already filled out as much as possible would be a violation of my rights under the Americans With Disabilities Act. I have MS. I have significant nerve damage in my hands. Writing legibly is nearly impossible. If the ballot is not prefilled except for just checkmarks to do the voting, I am not capable of doing it on my own. Disallowing prefilled ballots violates federal law protecting people with disabilities.

02-17-2021

Jacqueline Ray

02-17-2021

Kate Holt

I do not agree with this bill. I think we should go back to the 40 day window for early voting. Not make it smaller. I am a senior citizen who has voted early in person and used absentee ballots. To move the date closer to election day I see as a form of voter suppression. Our democracy does not need to be hobbled in this way.

02-17-2021

Sara Patterson

I oppose this bill that will prevent people like my father from voting in elections. He , like many others , is unable to drive, is elderly, and can not get around like he use to. He is a Veteran who believes that it is his responsibility and right to participate in the government by voting for who he thinks will do the most good for its people. Why would you want to discriminate the elderly, disabled voters ?

02-17-2021

Blake Rozendaal

I encourage you to not support this bill as it makes it even more difficult to exercise our right to vote. Iowa had a clean and fair election this fall; there is no reason to restrict our access to cast a ballot in elections. I see nothing in this bill that helps Iowans cast their vote safely and securely.

02-17-2021

Lisa Cunningham

Please vote no on this bill. It does nothing to help Iowa and its electoral process, only makes voting harder. You realize it would also suppress republican votes as well? If you can't win an election while making voting easier, you don't deserve to win.

02-17-2021

Linda Wells

This bill is an attempt to move us back in time. Voting is a right and should never be tampered with. You should be focusing on ways to make voting easier, not kicking people off rolls, and lessening places to vote. Do you work for your constituents, or are you just more worried about keeping your jobs and power. If it's the latter, start looking for another job, because no matter what you do people will vote, and vote you out for this bad behavior.