HB 1096

Allows an individual to affiliate with a political party while registering to vote. Requires the text: "Would you like to choose your political party? If you wish to vote in a primary election, you must first choose your political party affiliation and may only vote that party's ballot in the primary election." and a blank space for the applicant to list a party affiliation to be included on a voter registration form. Modifies the list of information concerning a voter that the election division is prohibited from providing. Provides, with exceptions, that certain individuals are entitled to review data concerning registered voters that has been collected and maintained on the computerized list. Provides that a voter may only vote at a primary election if the voter has affiliated with a political party not later than 119 days before the date of the primary election. Requires a voter to vote at the primary election held by the political party with which the voter is affiliated. Provides an exception to allow an individual who: (1) has moved to Indiana later than 119 days before the date of the primary election from another state; and (2) is 17 years of age but will be at least 18 years of age on the day of the next general, municipal, or special election; to register to vote and affiliate with a political party later than 119 days before the primary election, and vote at a primary election. Allows a voter to change party affiliation less than 119 days before the primary election and vote in a primary election if the voter has moved to a new election district less than 119 days before the primary election and the voter transfers the voter's registration record. Requires a county voter registration office to automatically affiliate certain voters with a political party and to allow all voters to affiliate or change political party affiliation. Allows a voter to affiliate with a political party when transferring the voter's registration record. Requires a voter who casts a provisional ballot to make an affidavit identifying the voter's political party affiliation. Provides that, except for certain political parties, no person may provide an individual with an absentee ballot application unless requested by the individual or certain family members of the individual. Allows the county election board to assess a civil penalty of not more than $100 if an unsolicited absentee ballot is provided. Reduces the period during which in person absentee voting may occur at the office of the circuit court clerk or a satellite office established by the county election board to a 10 day period ending at noon on the day before election day. Establishes a minimum number of satellite offices for in person absentee voting. Requires the secretary of state to do the following: (1) conduct at least three public meetings to study certain topics concerning election equipment and election procedures; and (2) report the results of meetings to the legislative council before November 1, 2026.