The bill, S.B. No. 1473, amends the Election Code to facilitate early voting by mail for individuals who are absent from their county of residence. Key changes include the requirement for early voting ballot applications to specify the address to which the ballot will be mailed, allowing for addresses outside the voter's county of residence. This is particularly relevant for voters applying for a ballot due to absence from their county. Additionally, the bill introduces new language that clarifies the information required on the application, including the applicant's driver's license or social security number, and the address where they can receive mail.

Further amendments include adjustments to the application form for early voting ballots, ensuring it contains necessary statements and spaces for information that validate the application. The bill also specifies that ballots can only be accepted if they meet certain criteria, including proper execution of the carrier envelope certificate and confirmation that the ballot was mailed to an appropriate address. The changes will apply to elections ordered on or after the effective date of the Act, which will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature, or on September 1, 2025, if not.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 84.002, Election Code 84.011, Election Code 86.003, Election Code 87.041 (Election Code 86, Election Code 84, Election Code 87)