The bill amends Section 17-20-9 of the General Laws in Chapter 17-20, titled "Mail Ballots," to enhance the application process for permanently disabled or incapacitated voters and nursing home residents to be placed on the permanent mail ballot application list. Key changes include replacing the requirement for an affidavit with an application that voters can sign to automatically receive mail ballot applications for every election. The local board of canvassers is tasked with removing voters from the mailing list if they are no longer eligible and must notify the local board of canvassers of this fact.

The bill also specifies that the application and instructions must be forwardable. Additionally, it clarifies that the term "nursing home" refers to facilities defined and licensed by the department of health, and long-term residents exclude those temporarily residing in such facilities for rehabilitation. The act is set to take effect upon passage, aiming to modernize and streamline the mail ballot application process for eligible voters.

Statutes affected:
5709: 17-20-9