The Senate State Administration meeting held on March 28, 2025, focused on critical discussions surrounding House Bill 488, which proposes the use of electronic ballot return in elections. The meeting featured testimony from various stakeholders, including CJ Coles from Verified Voting, who expressed strong opposition to the bill.

Coles emphasized that experts in national security and election integrity agree that transferring votes over the internet poses significant risks to both secrecy and security. He pointed out that there are currently no national standards for electronic ballot return, citing a report from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) that highlighted ongoing challenges related to security, privacy, and ballot secrecy. Coles urged the committee to consider the potential consequences of electronic ballot return, which he described as high risk and capable of undermining public confidence in elections.

The discussion also included inquiries from committee members regarding the verification process for UOCAVA (Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act) voter registrations. Fitzpatrick, a representative from Lewis and Clark County, explained the steps taken to verify voter information, including the use of local registration addresses and communication with voters about their ballot preferences.

Concerns were raised about the implications of mandating electronic ballot return, particularly regarding the security risks associated with such a system. Fitzpatrick acknowledged that while the legislature has the authority to implement policies that could enhance convenience for voters, these measures must also address the security concerns highlighted by election officials.

The meeting concluded without a definitive resolution on House Bill 488, leaving open the possibility for further discussions and considerations regarding the balance between accessibility and security in the electoral process. The committee's next steps remain to be determined as they continue to evaluate the implications of electronic voting technologies.