DES MOINES, Iowa - The Iowa House has passed an election bill that reverses a key measure approved by the Senate only a day earlier.
The House version strips the Senate language that would've blocked the secretary of state from mailing absentee voting applications without first receiving a request from the voter.
Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate mailed those applications to all registered voters for the June 2nd primary, which set a record for turnout, with 80 percent from absentee votes.
The House version preserves the other key element in the bill, which bars county auditors from reducing polling place locations by more than 35 percent, a move that was taken in many counties during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under the House plan, the secretary of state would have to consult with a legislative committee before changing election procedures. Pate also extended the absentee voting period from 29 to 40 days in the June primary.
The House passed the election bill by an overwhelming 95-2 bipartisan margin after two Republicans joined all Democrats in opposing the Senate version. Senate Democrats had complained the measure would've suppressed votes. Many county auditors had opposed the Senate proposal.
The bill now returns to the Senate for consideration.