Overview
- The Republican‑led House gave final approval Tuesday and sent House Bill 958 and House Bill 834 to Democratic Gov. Josh Stein for action.
- House Bill 958 would cut early in‑person voting for primaries, second primaries, and runoffs from 17 days to 10 days and most of its provisions would take effect January 1, 2027.
- HB 958 also requires the state auditor to conduct post‑election performance audits of county election systems on a schedule that ensures every county is reviewed at least once every six years.
- House Bill 834 moves several post‑election correction deadlines from three business days to five and would take effect immediately if signed, which could change procedures for this fall’s election administration.
- Gov. Josh Stein says he will veto HB 958 because he argues the changes make voting harder and invite post‑election challenges, while Republicans call the measures integrity reforms and critics warn the audit and challenge rules could be used for partisan contests given recent shifts in appointment power to the state auditor.