The proposed bill would update current election statutes by introducing new deadlines and requirements for early ballot submissions, mandating that they be returned by 7:00 p.m. on the Friday before election day. It would eliminate emergency voting during the period from that Friday to the following Monday and expand in-person early voting to include the weekend prior to election day. Additionally, the bill would require voters to present identification when delivering their ballots after the specified deadline and would modify existing procedures to enhance the security and integrity of the voting process.

Moreover, the bill would remove existing provisions related to emergency voting centers and ensure that all government-owned buildings are available as voting locations upon request. It would also establish new protocols for ballot handling, including secure ballot boxes and a chain of custody log, while clarifying the responsibilities of election officials regarding signature verification. The bill aims to balance accessibility for voters with the need for secure and accurate vote counting, thereby updating the law to better reflect contemporary electoral challenges.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-542, 16-547, 16-548, 16-550, 16-552, 16-572, 16-579, 16-579.02, 16-804, 16-452, 99-410, 16-153, 16-545, 16-544, 16-409, 16-1005, 16-550.01, 16-168, 16-551, 16-602, 16-449, 16-191, 16-591, 16-594, 16-672, 16-584
Senate Engrossed Version: 16-411, 16-449, 16-542, 16-544, 16-547, 16-548, 16-550, 16-551, 16-552, 16-572, 16-579, 16-579.01, 16-579.02, 16-452, 16-515, 16-204, 16-804, 99-410, 16-153, 16-545, 16-409, 16-166, 16-191, 16-1005, 16-550.01, 16-168, 16-602, 16-531, 16-622, 16-591, 16-594, 16-672, 16-584