Vote to pass a bill that amends early voting procedures, effective July 1, 2013.
Highlights:
Authorizes an individual to register to vote or change the individual’s address during early voting periods (Sec. 1).
Establishes an online absentee ballot application (Sec. 2).
Authorizes absentee voting through an online ballot marking tool for voters who request online absentee ballots (Sec. 2).
Extends hours of operation for early voting centers, beginning the 2nd Thursday before a primary or general election through the Thursday before the election, whereas current law authorizes early voting to begin the 2nd Friday before the election and excludes Sundays (Sec. 2).
Amends the county population requirements that determine the number of early voting centers as follows (Sec. 2):
A county with fewer than 125,000 registered voters will have 1 early voting center, but if the county covers an area greater than 400 square miles, then it may establish 1 additional early voting center;
A county with more than 125,000 registered voters and fewer than 300,000 will have 3 early voting centers;
A county with more than 300,000 registered voters and fewer than 450,000 will have 5 early voting centers; and
A county with more than 450,000 registered voters will have 8 early voting centers.