Des Moines, Iowa — Republican Governor Kim Reynolds has approved a new law that forbids groups like political parties, unions and campaign organizations from having paid staff or volunteers collect and mail absentee ballots for voters. There are also new restrictions as to which Iowans may help another Iowan return their absentee ballot to the county auditor’s office.
House Speaker Pat Grassley says voters support the election law changes Republicans have made.
Democrats opposed these new restrictions. Senate Minority Leader Zach Wahls of Coralville says the new law is based on false claims about the 2020 election.
Governor Reynolds approved seven separate budget bills Tuesday as well. One bill provides a 21 million dollar spending boost to the state prison system. The move comes after two Anamosa prison employees were beaten to death in the prison infirmary. Two inmates have been charged with their murders. The bill she approved for education-related spending provides a small budget increase for the 15 area community colleges, but no additional money for the three pubic universities.
