The bill mandates that a staff member from a long-term residential care facility must witness an administrator assisting a resident with absentee voting. Specifically, it amends Arkansas Code 7-5-403(d)(3) to require that at least one staff member be present when an administrator marks a ballot on behalf of a voter, ensuring that this process occurs without any comment or interpretation. Additionally, the bill clarifies that administrators may deliver absentee ballots to the county clerk for voters who have designated them on their application.

Furthermore, the bill modifies Arkansas Code 7-5-403(d)(4)(E) to emphasize the requirement for a staff member to witness the administrator's assistance in marking a ballot, replacing the term "casting" with "marking" to specify the action taken on behalf of the voter. These changes aim to enhance the integrity of the absentee voting process for residents in long-term care facilities.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB299 V2 - 3-10-2025 01:50 PM: 7-5-403(d), 03-10-2025
Old version SB299 Original - 2-25-2025 01:19 PM: 7-5-310(b), 7-5-403(d)
SB 299: 7-5-310(b), 7-5-403(d)
Act 403: 7-5-403(d), 03-10-2025