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Sponsor’s absentee-voting bill seeks 'more likely than not' standard; counties and advocates warn of burdens on nursing-home, jail and homebound voters
Summary
Senate Bill 213 would change absentee voting eligibility language and include a 'more likely than not' standard; county and advocacy testimony raised concerns about access, notary costs and verification for incarcerated and long-term care residents. Committee signaled changes may be needed and did not advance the bill at the hearing.
Senator James Gray presented a bill to the committee proposing changes to absentee voting eligibility language, including use of the "more likely than not" phrase to define certain circumstances for absentee eligibility.
Gray said the standard is a legal term that he believes is clearer for voters and clerks than existing language. The sponsor and some supporters argued the change would provide better guidance to applicants about when they qualify for an absentee ballot.
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