In an effort to ensure timely ballot counting and reporting, State Sen. Shelley Hughes (R-Palmer) has introduced a bill that addresses long-standing challenges with delays in election results being available to the public.
Senate Bill 52 introduces key reforms to deadlines and procedures for pre-election ballot distribution by voters and post-election delivery to the division of Elections.
One of the provisions requires that all ballots, including absentee and early voting ballots, be counted by 11:59 p.m. on election day. This replaces previous rules that permitted counting to extend indefinitely beyond election day.
“Establishing this strict deadline ensures that election results are reported promptly, minimizing uncertainty, and enhancing voter confidence in the election process,” Hughes explained in her sponsor statement for the bill.
To address the handling of ballots that may be delayed due to adverse weather or mechanical transportation issues, the bill requires that any delayed ballots be stored in transparent, secured containers that are monitored by video surveillance until they can be delivered as soon as conditions allow.
“This safeguard enhances the security of ballot handling and improves transparency, particularly in remote areas where logistical challenges are more likely to occur,” Hughes noted.
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Importantly, the bill also revises the early voting period, beginning 15 days prior to the election and ending on the Saturday immediately preceding election day. This change provides election officials with time to count early ballots and still meet the deadline requirement of 11:59 p.m. on election night.
“By establishing clear deadlines and secure handling procedures, Senate Bill 52 creates a uniform and efficient framework to allow Alaskans to access election results in a timely fashion will boost voter confidence in our election process,” Hughes stated.
Alaskans will have an opportunity to testify on SB 52 during a public hearing on Tuesday, Feb. 4, in the Senate Affairs Committee. The meeting begins at 3:30 p.m.
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11 Comments
awesome job Shelly! There is no reason to wait forever to find out who is in or out. these early ballots need to be back and counted as they come in. With that said the people counting need to be sworn to secrecy as to not tell anyone. That includes spouses. If they tell anyone they go to prison automatically. On election day after regular ballots are counted then and only then call the election official give the early count out the the public along with other numbers. We really dont need RCVing either. If you can’t win on your own behalf you not wanted by the majority of the people and you loose. This crap ill get someone else’s vote so I’ll win doesn’t get it!
Again, thank you Senator Hughes!
A move in the positive direction. Let’s watch and expose those that fight this bill. No doubt Lisa won’t like this bill.
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ASTOUNDING! HEY SHELLY, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS ALREADY MADE THIS MANDATE INTO A LAW! Nothing like redundancy so that lawbreakers like doe can be reminded not to break the law! THIS IS PLAIN STUPIDLEAVY!
to SB 52
Yes
This is a good start to insure election integrity in Alaska. A great deal more legislation is required to clean up the absentee voting laws but SB52 will be devasting to most of the cheating. They can still cheat, but the neer do wells will have to cheat up front, instead of having 10 or more days to create votes. Next the Division of Elections should be required to put in place a signature verification system, and all absentee ballots must be requested two months before any election. Election integrity should always be the highest priority of a free people.
breaking federal is ok then huh?
That would be really nice if absentee ballots had to be requested far advanced of the election and should be approved under specific circumstances, like traveling or a surgical procedure. I agree with all of your points Michael.
About damn time!!!! Maxwell, I don’t give a spit about federal law. We the people!
moore do you often make a practice of condemning yourself? The federal law i speak of has to do with all ballots must be in on election day! ignorance isn’t a very good excuse!