This bill amends various sections of Alaska's election laws to update the timing and procedures for counting ballots, absentee voting, and early voting. Key changes include stipulating that all ballots must be counted no earlier than 11:59 p.m. Alaska time on election day, as opposed to the previous 8:00 p.m. local time. Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for the secure storage of ballots that are not delivered on election day due to weather or mechanical issues, requiring them to be kept in a transparent, secured container under video surveillance until they can be delivered to the director.

The bill also modifies the absentee voting process, ensuring that absentee ballots must be marked by election day and clarifying that they will not be counted if received after that date. It establishes that absentee ballots returned by mail from overseas must be received by the election supervisor by the close of business on the 10th day after the election to be counted. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the director send absentee ballots to uniformed services voters or overseas voters at least 60 days before an election if applications are submitted in time, thereby enhancing the accessibility and integrity of the voting process in Alaska.

Statutes affected:
SB0052A, AM SB 52, introduced 01/24/2025: 15.15.350, 15.15.370, 15.20.064, 15.20.081, 15.20.480, 15.05.011, 15.40.140, 15.20.201, 15.20.203, 15.20.061, 15.07.050, 15.15.225, 15.07.060, 15.07.055, 15.20.220