The bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes to enhance election security and oversight, particularly focusing on absentee ballot processing and the management of election materials. It introduces the definition of "other election system," which includes any technology used in elections that can modify ballots or store critical data. The Department of State is tasked with establishing security rules, including minimum standards for county canvassing boards. Key provisions include comprehensive chain of custody protocols for absentee ballots, the establishment of a hotline for reporting issues, and the requirement for political action committees to have poll watchers in polling areas. The bill also mandates that ballots returned by mail be tracked for auditing purposes and outlines strict security protocols for election materials, including the transportation of ballots by bipartisan teams.

Additionally, the bill enhances the procedures for vote-by-mail ballots, requiring voters to include identification and a signature on their voter certificate envelope. It establishes new criteria for voters requesting mail-in ballots and mandates that ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on election day to be counted. The bill also introduces penalties for election workers who violate regulations and emphasizes the importance of public observation during the election process. Overall, these amendments aim to improve the integrity, transparency, and accessibility of the electoral process in Florida, ensuring that all procedures are conducted securely and accurately.

Statutes affected:
S 396 Filed: 101.21, 101.545, 101.5614, 101.6103, 101.6104, 101.65, 101.655, 101.69, 101.6923, 102.014, 104.21, 104.30