The bill amends the absentee voting laws in Arkansas to allow individuals over the age of sixty-five to vote by absentee ballot. Specifically, it adds a new category of voters eligible for absentee ballots, stating that any person who is over sixty-five years of age on election day qualifies. Additionally, the bill modifies the requirements for county clerks regarding absentee ballot applications, stipulating that applications from voters over sixty-five will remain valid for one calendar year unless withdrawn, and mandates that absentee ballots be mailed to these voters for each election within that year.

Furthermore, the bill updates the required statements for requesting an absentee ballot to include a new option for voters to indicate their age as a reason for absentee voting. It also expands the list of individuals for whom the Secretary of State may create separate absentee ballot application forms to include those over sixty-five years of age. Overall, these changes aim to enhance accessibility to the voting process for older citizens in Arkansas.

Statutes affected:
HB 1064: 7-5-402, 7-5-404(b), 7-5-405(a), 7-5-405(b)