Freshman lawmaker wants to expand election day FAQs

House Bill 605 seeks to answer basic questions like the ones first-term Rep. Matthew Winslow, R-Franklin, heard while he worked the polls last year.

Can I take my sample ballot into the voting booth with me? (Yes.)

Can unaffiliated voters pick which primary they want to vote in, even on primary day? (Yes.)

“You’ll be surprised how many people don’t know this information," Winslow, who said he couldn't answer all the questions that came his way, told other lawmakers Wednesday.

His bill would require signs at election sites answering about a dozen questions, plus a QR code people could scan with their phones to reach a website with more information. The bill also has $20,000 in it to expand staffing on a State Board of Elections hotline voters can call.

The bill has bipartisan support and cleared the House Election Law and Campaign Finance Reform Committee Wednesday on a unanimous vote.