The bill amends Arkansas law regarding absentee ballots and elections, specifically focusing on the submission of applications and the methods of voting absentee. It modifies the deadlines for submitting absentee ballot applications, changing the deadline from "Friday" to "day" before election day for in-person submissions and for designated bearers and administrators. Additionally, it establishes that applications by mail must be received no later than seven days before the election.

Furthermore, the bill updates the procedures for delivering absentee ballots. It allows for the ballot to be delivered by the designated bearer, administrator, or authorized agent of a voter who is medically unable to vote at the regular polling site, ensuring that proper verification of the voter's signature and the identity of the authorized agent is conducted. The previous requirement for ballots to be delivered to the physical office of the county clerk by the close of business on the Friday before election day has been removed, allowing for more flexibility in the voting process.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1039 Original - 11-20-2024 03:15 PM: 7-5-404(a), 7-5-411(a)
Old version HB1039 V2 - 1-16-2025 03:30 PM: 7-5-404(a), 7-5-411(a)
HB 1039: 7-5-404(a), 7-5-411(a)