The bill amends the Code of West Virginia by adding a new section, 3-3-11a, which establishes a system for tracking the receipt and status of absent voter ballots. This system will allow voters to see whether their ballot has been received, verified, and sent for tabulation or rejected. It mandates that specific information be recorded and reported, including dates of application receipt, acceptance or denial of ballot applications, and the status of ballot return envelopes. Additionally, the bill provides for updates when defects in the ballot application or return envelope are cured by the voter.

Furthermore, the bill allows voters to opt in to receive notifications about their absent voter ballot via email, ensuring they are promptly informed of any changes in their ballot status. It also stipulates that email addresses provided by voters for this purpose will be kept confidential and exempt from public disclosure under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act. This aims to enhance voter engagement and ensure the privacy of voters' information while improving the absentee voting process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 3-3-11a
Committee Substitute: 3-3-11a