WASHINGTON, DC – Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed a series of election reform measures into law tonight, adding commonsense safeguards to bolster voter confidence and deliver timely, accurate results. The new law bans ballot trafficking by organized political operatives, requires absentee ballots be received by Election Day, and ensures that county officials follow the law. The legislation also adjusts the close of polls to 8:00pm and sets the early voting period at 20 days.
Jason Snead, Executive Director of Honest Elections Project:
“We can never take the credibility of our elections for granted, and Iowa’s leaders are not. Banning organized ballot trafficking protects voters from proven avenues for corruption, abuse, and voter intimidation. Requiring absentee ballots be received by Election Day helps ensure timely and accurate results. Guaranteeing that election officials don’t deliberately flout state law is utterly commonsense.
“Iowans can easily request absentee ballots, have access to three weeks of early voting, and have 13 hours to cast a ballot on Election Day. Voting in Iowa is easy. Now, it is also more secure, more uniform, and more reliable. Iowa’s lawmakers and Governor Reynolds deserve our praise for bolstering voter confidence. Other states should follow their lead and work towards the goal of secure, accessible, and honest elections.”