(RepublicanDaily.org) – Since the highly disputed presidential election of 2020, Democrats and Republicans have been at loggerheads over voting rights. Democrats generally believe the way to improve electoral systems is to increase access by removing as many regulatory barriers as possible. Republicans, on the other hand, are keen to prevent fraud by implementing more rules, particularly around voter ID and absentee ballots. Idaho was the setting for the most recent debate on this issue.
On Monday, February 21, the Idaho House passed a bill banning the delivery of voting ballots by third parties who are not members of the voter’s household. Rep. Mike Moyle (R), the bill’s sponsor, claimed the legislation would put a stop to ballot harvesting in the state.
Idaho bill aiming to stop 'ballot harvesting' passes house with no democrat support https://t.co/t3GLkqx5d1
— KTVB.COM (@KTVB) February 22, 2022
Illegally delivering fewer than 10 ballots would be a misdemeanor offense under the terms of the legislation, while dropping off more than that would be a felony.
The bill passed the GOP-controlled chamber without any Democratic support. Liberal lawmakers were critical of the proposal, saying it was unfairly targeting people who were just trying to help out their friends and neighbors. Some claimed it might contravene the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by preventing disabled voters from casting their ballots. However, Moyle insisted a change like this was essential to preserve the security of elections.
The bill is now on its way to the state Senate.
Copyright 2022, RepublicanDaily.org
