Summary

<p><strong>These bills would create more barriers to voting via absentee ballot, making it harder to vote for anyone who is unable to vote in person on election day.</strong></p> <p><strong>HB217</strong> requires that voters who are registering by absentee ballot (because they attest they are unable to register in person) also provide proof of their identity, age, domicile, and citizenship.&nbsp;Voters attest to their eligibility when they register via a sworn affidavit, punishable by penalty of perjury. Adding additional requirements to scan, print, and send documents can disenfranchise eligible voters &ndash; especially those with disabilities who are registering absentee because they are unable to do so in person.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>HB686</strong> requires voters provide a color copy of their photo identification when they cast an absentee ballot, as well as having their absentee ballot application notarized.&nbsp;This bill also adds provisions that absentee ballot applications that do not have a notarized signature or color copy of ID can be cured by the applicant visiting the clerks office in person.&nbsp;&nbsp;Currently, absentee ballot applications must be signed by the voter and anyone who assists them with completing the application. By requiring an additional step of having the application notarized, voters will have a more difficult time completing this form &ndash; resulting in their application being rejected, late, or not completed at all.</p> <p>Many seniors and voters with disabilities vote via absentee ballot because they are unable to vote in person on election day. These same voters who may not have transportation or the ability to independently travel are most likely to be affected by needing to find a notary and make a color copy of an ID.&nbsp;Both notarization and color copies have monetary costs &ndash; this bill would add those costs and burden to voting absentee.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>HB 418</strong> would&nbsp;limit the reasons voters can cast an absentee ballot only to being absent from their town or city where they are domiciled, or having a disability. The proposed change would remove religious observance, work, child care, or other care obligations from reasons to vote absentee. This bill would also repeal the ability to vote absentee if there is a winter storm warning for election day. This would result in countless eligible voters being unable to cast their ballots</p> <p><strong>Please note: the subject line and the email language is fully customizable. We encourage you to use your own words to make your message stand out!</strong></p>