The bill aims to clarify the duration for which an application for an absentee ballot is effective and amends existing laws regarding absentee ballot applications and voting. It specifies that unless otherwise indicated by the applicant, an absentee ballot application will be valid for only one election cycle, which includes the election and any corresponding runoff election. The Secretary of State is required to provide an option for the application to remain valid for one year, unless revoked by the voter, and to include explanatory language in the application regarding its validity.

Additionally, the bill mandates that county clerks automatically mail absentee ballots to voters no later than 25 days before each election and 10 days before any corresponding runoff elections, depending on the selected option. It also allows administrators of long-term care or residential care facilities to receive absentee ballots on behalf of voters, provided they present an authorized request from the voter. The bill removes previous provisions that allowed for a one-year validity period for absentee ballot applications for voters residing within the county or in long-term care facilities.

Statutes affected:
SB 233: 7-5-404(b)