HB175:

Absentee voting; annual absentee voter list, removal of permanent list, applications for ballots.

Bill Summary:

Absentee voting; annual absentee voter list; absentee ballots; return of ballots. Removes the permanent absentee voter list and provides for an annual absentee voter list by which any eligible voter who annually files an application and is enrolled on the list receives an absentee ballot for any election in which he is eligible to vote in the ensuing calendar year. The application for the annual absentee voter list requires, at a minimum, the voter to provide his printed name, date of birth, and the last four digits of his social security number. The bill makes an absentee voter's failure to have a witness sign the absentee ballot envelope a material omission and renders his ballot void. Current law allows a late absentee ballot to be counted if it is received by the Friday after the election and postmarked on or before the day of the election; the bill modifies this provision, requiring a postmark on or before the Saturday immediately preceding the day of the election.