DES MOINES, Iowa -- A bill changing a number of provisions in how Iowa runs elections is now law.
Governor Kim Reynolds signed bill Monday afternoon.
Under the new law, Iowa's early voting period is shortened to 20 days, early-voted ballots must be in the county auditor's office by the time polls close on Election Day, and those polls will close an hour earlier--now at 8:00 p.m.
In a statement, Reynolds says:
“It’s our duty and responsibility to protect the integrity of every election. This legislation strengthens uniformity by providing Iowa’s election officials with consistent parameters for Election Day, absentee voting, database maintenance, as well as a clear appeals process for local county auditors. All of these additional steps promote more transparency and accountability, giving Iowans even greater confidence to cast their ballot.”
The bill passed the Republican-majority House and Senate along party lines nearly two weeks ago, with Democrats calling it an act of voter suppression.