IA HF188

County commissioners of elections must automatically mail absentee ballots to all registered voters 45 days before an election, eliminating the current requirement for voters to submit an application to receive an absentee ballot

Commissioners must electronically record receipt of returned absentee ballots, and voter identification cards must include instructions on how voters can track the status of their absentee ballot online

The special precinct election board must convene starting November 1 to begin counting absentee ballots, rather than the current option to begin counting the day before the election

Repeals Code sections 53.2 and 53.3, which currently require voters to submit written applications for absentee ballots containing personal identifying information and specify application deadlines

Applies to all elections taking place on or after July 1, 2025, and political subdivisions must comply with the state mandate regardless of whether funding is provided