This bill amends the absentee ballot provisions in West Virginia's Code by requiring that applications for absentee ballots be made available both at the county clerk's office and online through the Secretary of State's official website. It introduces the option for qualified first responders to vote by electronic absentee ballot under specific emergency circumstances and outlines the process for submitting and accepting their absentee voting applications. Additionally, the bill prohibits election officials from providing unsolicited absentee ballot applications to voters and restricts any individual from delivering more than ten unsolicited applications to voters.

The bill also establishes misdemeanor penalties for violations of these provisions, including fines and potential imprisonment for election officials or individuals who knowingly and intentionally distribute unsolicited absentee ballot applications. The new legal language emphasizes the importance of ensuring that absentee ballot applications are only provided upon specific request, thereby enhancing the integrity of the absentee voting process.

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