Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that increases the number of required voting centers per county.

Highlights:

• Requires that beginning with the 2022 primary election, at least 2 voter service centers be opened in each county that has a population greater than 150,000 and will be open during regular business hours beginning on the tenth day preceding an election (Sec. 19).

• Specifies that a ballot, as well as an absentee ballot, include the following information (Sec. 2):

• A ballot summary that is produced by the voter using a web-based ballot or similarly accessible ballot;

• A voter-verifiable paper audit trail in the event there is a discrepancy between a voting machine’s electronic record of the voted ballot and the voter-verifiable paper audit trail; and

• A ballot used in an election by mail.

• Defines “ballot summary” as a complete record of ballot selections that is verified by the voter (Sec. 2).

• Requires that the chief election officer issue a proclamation listing all voter service centers whenever a new precinct is established in any representative district (Sec. 10).

• Defines “precinct” as the smallest political subdivision established by law (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that a voter in an election conducted by mail shall not be precluded from voting by absentee ballot if the voter complies with the applicable requirements (Sec. 12).

• Authorizes a clerk to continue to mail ballots to those individuals that have updated their voter registration address if (Sec. 13):

• The clerk believes there is sufficient time for the voter to return the ballot by the applicable deadline; or

• Another statute provides for the transmission of the ballot during that time frame.

• Authorizes voters to return their absentee ballot in any manner including returning in person to a county clerk (Sec. 13).

• Specifies that any registered voter standing in line at 7:00 P.M. on election day with the intent of returning a ballot or vote in an election shall be permitted to do so, and authorizes individuals not registered to vote to apply to register to vote and subsequently vote in that election (Sec. 14 & 19).

• Requires that before counting the ballots, the return envelopes shall be checked for the following information, including (Sec. 14):

• A signature on the affirmation statement;

• Whether the signature corresponds with the absentee request or register as prescribed in the rules adopted by the chief election officer; and

• Whether the individual is a registered voter and has complied with the requirements.

Full Bill Text