This bill amends the absentee voting provisions in West Virginia's Code, specifically section 3-3-1, to clarify the circumstances under which registered and qualified voters may vote absentee by mail. Key changes include the insertion of "or physical disability" to broaden the definition of confinement due to disability, and the removal of specific reasons for absentee voting related to personal or business travel, education, or employment that make in-person voting impossible. Instead, the bill emphasizes illness that prevents voting during the entire in-person voting period and includes provisions for voters participating in the Address Confidentiality Program.

Additionally, the bill outlines eligibility for electronic absentee ballots, which includes voters with physical disabilities, absent uniformed services voters, and qualified first responders called away on duty. It also establishes criteria for emergency absentee ballots for voters who may be confined due to health reasons or other circumstances close to the election date. Overall, the bill aims to streamline and clarify the absentee voting process while ensuring that voters who face genuine barriers to in-person voting can still participate in elections.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 3-3-1