Under existing law, the only way for an elector to vote before election day in this state is to vote by absentee ballot, provided the elector meets one of the excuses that allows for absentee voting. This bill would provide a process for early voting in general and special elections, other than municipal elections. This bill would prescribe minimum days and hours of operation of early voting centers. This bill would allow an elector, without excuse, to cast his or her vote using a voting machine at an early voting center. This bill would require each county commission to establish early voting center locations in the county and establish a communications plan to publish notice of early voting in the respective county. This bill would provide that staffing, reimbursement of election expenses, and election day conduct would apply to early voting. This bill would also require the Secretary of State to adopt rules to ensure the process does not permit electors to vote more than once in any election.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 17-8-1, 17-8-12