This bill amends the current law regarding the processing of absentee ballots by removing the provision that allowed 10 or more voters present at the polls to challenge and postpone the processing of absentee ballots until after the polls closed. The specific legal language that is deleted from the law is: "[Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph I, upon the written challenges of 10 or more voters who are present at the polls no later than 1:00 p.m., the moderator shall postpone the processing of all absentee ballots until after the polls close and prior to the counting of all ballots cast in the election.]"

In place of this provision, the bill introduces new requirements for the moderator or their designee to publicly announce and post the time at which absentee ballot processing will begin, both at the polling place and another public location, at least 24 hours before the polls open. Additionally, the moderator is required to announce this time when the polls open. The bill is set to take effect 60 days after its passage, with an effective date of July 28, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 659:49
Version adopted by both bodies: 659:49
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 659:49