The bill amends the absentee voting procedures in West Virginia, specifically focusing on the availability and processing of absentee ballot applications. It mandates that applications for absentee ballots be accessible both at the county clerk's office and online through the Secretary of State's official website. Additionally, the bill introduces provisions allowing qualified first responders to vote by electronic absentee ballot under certain emergency circumstances, defining who qualifies as a first responder and outlining the process for submitting and accepting their absentee voting applications. The bill also prohibits election officials from providing unsolicited absentee ballot applications to voters and establishes penalties for violations of this rule.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the deadlines for submitting absentee ballot applications, allowing qualified first responders to apply as late as 5:00 p.m. the day before the election. It also changes the deadline for mail-in ballots to be received by election officials, now requiring them to be submitted by 7:30 p.m. on election day. New misdemeanor penalties are introduced for election officials and individuals who violate the rules regarding unsolicited absentee ballot applications, with fines and potential imprisonment for offenders. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the absentee voting process while ensuring compliance and integrity in the electoral system.

Statutes affected:
Committee Substitute: 3-3-5
Introduced Version: 3-3-5
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 3-3-5