The bill amends and reenacts several sections of Louisiana's election laws, specifically focusing on the procedures for absentee by mail ballots and the challenges associated with them. Key changes include the addition of a provision that allows ballots to be challenged if they are missing required information on the absentee by mail certificate, as well as the stipulation that a ballot will not be deemed challenged solely due to the voter's inability to provide their mother's maiden name. The bill also expands the criteria for challenges to include ballots that are missing information, and it establishes a process for notifying voters of challenges and the reasons for them.

Additionally, the bill introduces new requirements for the board overseeing the counting of absentee ballots, including the need for a majority of board members to determine the validity of challenges. It mandates that voters be notified in writing within four business days if their ballot is challenged, along with the reasons for the challenge. The legislation also requires the Secretary of State to preprint certain information on absentee ballot certificates and to create a uniform challenge process for missing items on these certificates. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the integrity and clarity of the absentee voting process in Louisiana.

Statutes affected:
SB226 Original: 18:1(G)(3), 18:1315(C)
SB226 Engrossed: 18:1(G)(3), 18:1315(C)
SB226 Enrolled: 18:1(G)(3), 18:1315(C)
SB226 Act 321: 18:1(G)(3), 18:1315(C)