The bill amends Section 17-20-10 of the General Laws in Chapter 17-20, entitled "Mail Ballots," to include new provisions for mail-in voting. The amendment allows voters, upon acceptance of their application by the local board, to choose to vote by mail ballot for a period of up to two years for both primary and general elections in the year they submit their absentee voting application and the subsequent year if necessary. The secretary of state is tasked with prescribing any necessary forms and instructions to implement this subsection.

The bill also outlines the responsibilities of the local board and the secretary of state in certifying applications, issuing ballots, and maintaining accurate records. It specifies the process for handling undeliverable ballots, including consulting with the local board to correct the mailing address and reissuing the ballot if necessary. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the acceptance of a mail ballot application and the issuance of a mail ballot do not create a presumption of accuracy or compliance, and any challenges to the ballot can be raised before the board of elections at the time of certification. The act would take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5958: 17-20-10