This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to expand the eligibility criteria for absentee voting, particularly for citizens residing overseas. It introduces new provisions allowing U.S. citizens temporarily living abroad to vote absentee if they were previously domiciled in West Virginia and meet specific conditions, such as being registered to vote or having been eligible to register before leaving the U.S. The bill also clarifies the definitions of "federal election," "overseas federal election voter," and "overseas and federal voter," ensuring that individuals who meet these definitions can register and vote by mail in both federal and state elections.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing language regarding absentee voting eligibility by removing certain criteria and adding new ones, such as allowing citizens who hold a valid passport and do not establish permanent residency elsewhere to vote absentee. It also includes provisions for electronic absentee ballots for specific voters, including those temporarily residing abroad and first responders called away on duty. Overall, the bill aims to facilitate voting access for West Virginia citizens living outside the country while ensuring compliance with federal voting regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 3-3-1, 3-3-1a