Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that loosens restrictions on the ability of voters to vote by mail-in ballot.

Highlights:

-Allows a qualified voter to vote using a mail-in ballot in any election held in the State (Sec. 3). -Specifies that a voter must apply to the county clerk in writing before at least 7 days before the election, or in person by 3pm on the day before an election (Sec. 3). -Requires that voters be able to request on their application for a mail-in ballot that they would like to receive a mail-in ballot for all future elections or for all elections in that calendar year (Sec. 3). -Allows a qualified voter to apply for and obtain a mail-in ballot by authorized messenger, who shall be so designated over the signature of the voter (Sec. 4). -Prohibits an individual from acting as an authorized messenger for more than 10 voters in any given election (Sec. 4). -Prohibits an individual who is a candidate in the election for which the voter has requested a mail-in ballot from acting as an authorized messenger or bearer (Sec. 4). -Requires the Secretary of State to handle the dissemination of information regarding mail-in ballot procedures (Sec. 6). -Requires the county clerk to compare the voter's signature on the mail-in ballot with the voter's signature in the Statewide voter registration system and only accept ballots with matching signatures (Sec. 8). -Provides that a person who knowingly commits election fraud shall be subject to disenfranchisement, along with any other penalties authorized by law (Sec. 28). -Takes effect on July 1st, 2009 (Sec. 38).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that loosens restrictions on the ability of voters to vote by mail-in ballot.

Highlights:

-Allows a qualified voter to vote using a mail-in ballot in any election held in the State (Sec. 3). -Specifies that a voter must apply to the county clerk in writing before at least 7 days before the election, or in person by 3pm on the day before an election (Sec. 3). -Requires that voters be able to request on their application for a mail-in ballot that they would like to receive a mail-in ballot for all future elections or for all elections in that calendar year (Sec. 3). -Allows a qualified voter to apply for and obtain a mail-in ballot by authorized messenger, who shall be so designated over the signature of the voter (Sec. 4). -Prohibits an individual from acting as an authorized messenger for more than 10 voters in any given election (Sec. 4). -Prohibits an individual who is a candidate in the election for which the voter has requested a mail-in ballot from acting as an authorized messenger or bearer (Sec. 4). -Requires the Secretary of State to handle the dissemination of information regarding mail-in ballot procedures (Sec. 6). -Requires the county clerk to compare the voter's signature on the mail-in ballot with the voter's signature in the Statewide voter registration system and only accept ballots with matching signatures (Sec. 8). -Provides that a person who knowingly commits election fraud shall be subject to disenfranchisement, along with any other penalties authorized by law (Sec. 28). -Takes effect on July 1st, 2009 (Sec. 38).

Full Bill Text