This bill amends the absentee voting provisions in West Virginia's Code by synchronizing the timing of absentee voting periods with early in-person voting. It establishes that absentee ballots mailed in must be received by 8:00 p.m. on the day of the election in order to be counted. The bill modifies the deadlines for submitting absentee ballot applications, changing the latest acceptable date from the sixth to the thirteenth day preceding the election for most voters, while maintaining the same deadline for qualified first responders.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the acceptance criteria for absentee ballots, ensuring that ballots returned by mail must be received by the specified time to be counted. It also includes provisions for electronic voting and the handling of ballots submitted electronically, emphasizing the need for bipartisan oversight in processing these ballots. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the integrity and efficiency of the absentee voting process in West Virginia.

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