Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with house amendments and pass a bill that authorizes individuals to request permanent absentee voting status.

Highlights:

• Authorizes all voters to be eligible for permanent absentee ballot status and specifies that they may request for the status change at any time (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that a voter must request permanent absentee ballot status on a state board-approved absentee ballot application and must indicate on the form that the voter wishes to have permanent absentee ballot status (Sec. 1).

• Defines a “ballot drop box” as a secure, durable, and weatherproof container that is officially designated by a local board or the state board exclusively for voters to deposit election-related materials in person (Sec. 1).

• Requires the state and local election boards to take into account the following information when determining the location of a ballot drop box locations, including (Sec. 1):

• Accessibility of early voting centers to historically disenfranchised communities such as:

• Cultural groups;

• Ethnic groups; and

• Minority groups;

• Proximity of early voting centers to dense concentrations of voters;

• Accessibility of early voting centers to public transportation;

• Ensuring equitable distribution of early voting centers throughout the county; and

• Maximizing voter participation through the use of community centers and public gathering places as locations for early voting centers.

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that authorizes individuals to request permanent absentee voting status.

Highlights:

• Authorizes all voters to be eligible for permanent absentee ballot status and specifies that they may request for the status change at any time (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that a voter must request permanent absentee ballot status on a state board-approved absentee ballot application and must indicate on the form that the voter wishes to have permanent absentee ballot status (Sec. 1).

• Defines a “ballot drop box” as a secure, durable, and weatherproof container that is officially designated by a local board or the state board exclusively for voters to deposit election-related materials in person (Sec. 1).

• Requires the state and local election boards to take into account the following information when determining the location of a ballot drop box locations, including (Sec. 1):

• Accessibility of early voting centers to historically disenfranchised communities such as:

• Cultural groups;

• Ethnic groups; and

• Minority groups;

• Proximity of early voting centers to dense concentrations of voters;

• Accessibility of early voting centers to public transportation;

• Ensuring equitable distribution of early voting centers throughout the county; and

• Maximizing voter participation through the use of community centers and public gathering places as locations for early voting centers.

Full Bill Text