This bill amends existing laws regarding absentee ballots by removing the requirement for absentee ballots to be placed in outer envelopes unless they are mailed to town or city clerks. Specifically, it allows absentee ballots returned in person to bypass the outer envelope requirement. The bill also introduces provisions for printed voter names and addresses on affidavit envelopes and clarifies the handling of documents submitted by applicants. Additionally, it specifies that if an applicant submits necessary documents via mail, they must be enclosed in the outer envelope containing the absentee ballot, while hand-delivered documents do not require this. The bill mandates clerks to mark applications and ballots with "Not Registered" if the applicant is not registered and outlines the process for handling ballots returned without the required documents.

Moreover, SB 218 focuses on enhancing the absentee voting process for voters with disabilities by requiring that ballots be enclosed and sealed in an inner envelope, which must be returned to the town or city clerk. If mailed, the ballot must be sealed in an outer envelope provided by the clerk. The bill allows for personal delivery of the ballot without needing to enclose the affidavit envelope in the outer envelope. It also permits moderators to preprocess absentee ballots before election day, including examining affidavits for errors. The bill repeals RSA 659:49-b, which previously governed the opening of absentee ballot outer envelopes, and establishes that the act will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 657:7, 657:16, 657:17, 657:18, 659:50, 659:49-b