This bill amends existing laws related to absentee voting in Louisiana, specifically focusing on the certification and witnessing of absentee by mail ballots. It establishes new witness certification requirements, stating that only immediate family members of the voter or employees of the registrar of voters or the election division may assist with the certificate of more than one voter. Additionally, the bill modifies the early voting period for nursing home residents, extending it from one week to two weeks prior to the start of early voting.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new provisions regarding witness requirements for documents related to the Louisiana Election Code, mandating that witnesses be at least eighteen years old and provide their mailing address on the absentee ballot certificate. It also establishes penalties for individuals who violate the restrictions on witnessing absentee ballot certificates, specifically prohibiting anyone from witnessing the certificate of more than one voter who is not an immediate family member. The new provisions will take effect on August 1, 2024, while the witness requirements will be effective from July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
SB155 Original: 18:1310(C)(1)
SB155 Engrossed: 18:1310(C)(1), 18:1333(B)
SB155 Enrolled: 18:1310(C)(1), 18:1333(B)
SB155 Act 302: 18:1310(C)(1), 18:1333(B)