The bill amends sections 3509.05, 3511.09, and 3511.11 of the Revised Code to establish that all marked absent voter's ballots must be delivered to the board of elections by the close of the polls on Election Day in order to be counted. Specifically, it inserts language clarifying that all envelopes containing marked absent voter's ballots must be delivered by this deadline, and any ballots received after this time will not be counted but will be preserved until they can be destroyed as per existing regulations. The bill also modifies the requirements for the return of ballots, ensuring that they are processed and counted in accordance with the specified sections.

Additionally, the bill removes previous provisions that allowed for ballots postmarked prior to Election Day to be counted if received within a certain timeframe after the election. This change emphasizes the importance of timely ballot submission and aims to streamline the voting process by ensuring that only ballots delivered by the close of polls are considered valid. The overall intent of the bill is to enhance the integrity and efficiency of the absentee voting process in Ohio.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3509.05, 3511.09, 3511.11