Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends election law to expedite review and canvassing of absentee ballots.

Highlights:

• Requires poll clerks to examine and determine the validity of absentee ballot envelopes as they are received by the Board of Elections 40 days before the election (Sec. 1.a). 

• Specifies that the aforementioned examination shall occur every business day prior to the day of the election on such other schedule as determined by the board, provided that the board post when such examinations occur on its website (Sec. 1.a).

• Requires watchers to be present at meetings related to examining absentee ballot envelopes prior to the day of the election; provided that any objection to a board determination that a ballot envelope is eligible to be canvassed must be made at the meeting such determination is made and specifies that an objection subsequent to such meeting shall be invalid (Sec. 1.g).

• Establishes if an affidavit ballot was cast by a voter on the day of election and it is determined he or she submitted an absentee ballot, such affidavit shall be left aside, unopened (Sec. 1-5).

• Requires the Board of Elections to review the ballot to determine its validity when manually canvassing absentee ballots (Sec. 1-§ 2.4).

• Specifies if an affidavit ballot was cast by a voter on the day of election and it is determined he or she submitted an absentee ballot, such affidavit shall be left aside, unopened (Sec. 1-§ 2.5).

• Amends existing election law to include the following (Sec. 1-§ 6):

• If on election day a voter's name appears in the ledger or computer generated registration list with a notation indicating that the voter was provided an absentee ballot, such voter shall be permitted to cast his or her vote on the voting machine if the voter surrenders his or her absentee ballot and affirmation oath envelope to the inspector and such absentee ballot is marked "VOTED IN PERSON" and placed by the inspector in an envelope designated for this purpose; and

• If on election day a voter's name appears in the ledger or computer generated registration list with a notation indicating that the voter was provided an absentee ballot and such voter is unable to surrender his or her ballot and affirmation oath envelope pursuant to subdivision 2-b of this section, such voter shall only be entitled to vote by affidavit ballot unless a court order provides otherwise.

• Requires that canvassing of an absentee ballot due to an alleged defect on the affirmation envelope must name the voter as a necessary party (Sec. 1-§ 9).

Full Bill Text