The bill amends and reenacts specific sections of Louisiana's election laws concerning absentee by mail ballots and early voting. Key changes include the addition of provisions that allow for the challenge of ballots with missing information on their absentee by mail certificates, which must be completed by the voter. It specifies that such ballots will be deemed challenged if not cured by the voter, but a ballot will not be challenged solely for the absence of the voter's mother's maiden name. Additionally, the bill expands the criteria for challenges to include ballots that are missing information as outlined in the new subsections.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a more structured process for handling challenges to absentee ballots, requiring that a majority of the board members determine the validity of any challenged ballot. It mandates that voters be notified in writing of any challenges and the reasons for them within four business days. The Secretary of State is tasked with providing preprinted information on absentee ballot certificates and creating 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)