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Committee reviews multiple bills on mail ballots, polling caps, and other election administration changes
Summary
A cluster of bills addressing mail‑ballot procedures, local polling caps, mail‑ballot applications, who may return ballots, and write‑in reporting drew officials from the Board of Elections and many local clerks. Witnesses supported modernization but raised concerns about access, signature verification and operational
Senate Judiciary considered a package of election‑administration bills covering mail‑ballot processing, permanent mail‑ballot application lists, who may return a voter’s mail ballot, polling‑place caps and write‑in reporting. Officials urged targeted modernization while warning against measures that could disenfranchise voters.
What was proposed and who testified
- Senate Bill 815: Would let the Board of Elections process and tabulate absentee/mail ballots for local special elections using the same centralized procedures currently used for statewide ballots. The Department of State, Board of Elections and local clerks supported this change as more secure and efficient; they said the board already has tabulation equipment and trained staff.
- Senate Bill 520: Would streamline the permanent mail‑ballot application process so voters who elect to be on a permanent list do not need to reapply each cycle. The Secretary of State’s office,…
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