The Arkansas Absentee Voter Integrity Act of 2023 aims to strengthen the absentee voting process by amending existing laws related to the counting of absentee ballots and the responsibilities of election officials. Key provisions include stipulations that absentee ballots must be tabulated no earlier than 8:30 a.m. on election day, and that the county board of election commissioners will begin counting absentee and early votes before the polls close. The act mandates public notice of the absentee ballot counting process and requires that the processing and counting of absentee ballots be open to public observation. Additionally, the bill introduces specific procedures for verifying absentee ballot materials, including the comparison of voter identification documents and signatures, and designates ballots as provisional if discrepancies arise.

The bill also establishes criteria for counting absentee ballots, including the completeness of materials and matching voter information. It outlines a process for voters to "cure" their provisional ballots by providing necessary information by a specified deadline and mandates that voters be notified of their ballot status within 48 hours. Furthermore, the bill requires the State Board of Election Commissioners to adopt rules for the maintenance and storage of absentee ballot materials, ensuring uniformity in handling. It emphasizes the documentation of the chain of custody for sealed ballot boxes and sets standards for the secure handling of absentee ballots to prevent unauthorized access or tampering. The State Board is required to adopt initial rules by January 1, 2024, to ensure compliance with the Freedom of Information Act while maintaining the integrity of voter materials.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB235 Original - 3-21-2023 03:29 PM: 7-5-416, 7-5-701, 7-5-701(a)
Old version SB235 V2 - 3-27-2023 10:40 AM: 7-5-416, 03-27-2023, 7-5-701, 7-5-701(a)
Old version SB235 V3 - 3-29-2023 01:56 PM: 7-5-416, 03-29-2023, 7-5-701, 7-5-701(a)
SB 235: 7-5-416, 03-29-2023, 7-5-701, 7-5-701(a)