This bill amends Sections 34-1001 and 34-1002 of the Idaho Code to revise the provisions regarding absentee voting for registered electors. It specifies that any registered elector may vote by absentee ballot if they are unable to appear at their polling place on election day due to various circumstances, including active military service, illness, work or university commitments, being out of the county for a religious mission, occupying a second residence, being 65 years or older, or living in a mail ballot precinct. Additionally, the bill prohibits any misrepresentation of eligibility requirements for absentee voting by both individuals and election officials.

The bill also outlines the process for applying for an absentee ballot, stating that a blank application must be sent to qualified electors upon request and cannot be prefilled with personal information. It requires that the application include the elector's name, address, and the circumstances necessitating the absentee ballot. Furthermore, it includes provisions for unaffiliated electors regarding their participation in primary elections and mandates that applications be signed personally by the applicant. The bill declares an emergency, allowing it to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 34-1001, 34-1002