This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to clarify the circumstances under which registered and qualified voters are authorized to vote absentee ballots by mail. It specifies that voters confined to a specific location due to disability or illness, those who expect to be absent from their county during the voting period, and certain uniformed services or overseas voters are eligible to vote absentee. Notably, the bill introduces new language that expands the definition of eligible voters to include those with physical disabilities and those participating in the Address Confidentiality Program. Additionally, it removes previous provisions related to personal or business travel and employment that made voting in person impossible.

The bill also outlines the conditions under which voters may cast electronic absentee ballots and emergency absentee ballots. It includes provisions for voters confined to healthcare facilities, those residing in nursing homes, and those who become confined shortly before an election. The bill emphasizes the need for written confirmation from a licensed medical professional for voters seeking emergency absentee ballots due to confinement. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance access to absentee voting for various groups of voters while streamlining the eligibility criteria.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 3-3-1