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 the intent to return to West Virginia. The bill also clarifies definitions related to federal and state elections, as well as the categories of voters eligible for absentee ballots, including those serving in federal or state positions and first responders.

Additionally, the bill removes certain language that previously defined overseas voters and adds new definitions to clarify the status of "overseas federal election voters" and "overseas and federal voters." It specifies that these voters can register and vote by mail in federal and state elections held in their former election districts in West Virginia. The changes aim to ensure that West Virginia citizens living abroad can participate in elections, thereby enhancing voter accessibility and engagement for those outside the country.

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