Signed by Governor Henry McMaster

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes absentee voting for all qualified electors in areas subject to a declared state of emergency, among other provisions.

Highlights:

• Authorizes qualified voters and electors to vote by absentee ballot in an election if their home address residence or polling place is located in an area subject to a state of emergency declared by the governor and no fewer than 46 days remain until the date of the general election held on November 3, 2020 (Sec. 2).

• Requires completed applications for absentee ballots received by the county board of elections and voter registration before 5:00 PM on Saturday, October 24, 2020, if submitted by mail, and 5:00 PM Friday, October 30, 2020, if submitted in person (Sec. 3).

• Specifies that individuals hospitalized during the aforementioned deadline dates may submit their application for an absentee ballot up 5:00 PM November 2, 2020, and authorizes immediate family members to obtain an application for an absentee ballot on the day of the election, if the qualified voter or elector is still hospitalized (Sec. 3).

• Requires each county board of elections and voter registration to, beginning October 5, 2020, provide for in-office absentee voting for the November 3, 2020, General Election (Sec. 5).

• Requires the State Elections Commission to develop recommendations for local county offices to reduce the spread of COVID-19 during in-person absentee voting and personal delivery of absentee ballots prior to the Novemeber 3, 2020, general election (Sec. 8).

• Requires the State Elections Commission to establish an aggressive voter education program and educate the public as follows, including (Sec. 9):

• Post information concerning the location of each county board of elections and voter registration, each satellite office including the State Elections Commission office, and their respective websites;

• Train poll managers and poll workers to answer questions by electors and voters concerning the changes in this legislation; and

• Coordinate with local media outlets to disseminate information concerning the changes in the legislation.

• Specifies that the aforementioned provisions only apply to the 2020 General Election scheduled for November 3, 2020, and the processes to finalize the results of the election (Sec. 10).

• Specifies that this act shall take effect upon approval of the Governor (Sec. 10).

Full Bill Text