House approves emergency absentee ballot measure allowing pickup for hospitalized voters

The Utah House of Representatives on Jan. 19 passed House Bill 24, a measure clarifying who qualifies as an emergency absentee elector and allowing a designated person to obtain and return an absentee ballot for a hospitalized voter during the final three days before an election. Representative James Howard, the bill sponsor, said the change “recognizes that a hospitalized voter is eligible for an absentee ballot” and allows a separate person to obtain the ballot and envelope from the county clerk for that voter.

Supporters said the bill closes a gap that can disenfranchise sick or incapacitated voters in the final days of an election. Howard told colleagues the person picking up and returning the ballot must sign a statement identifying themselves as acting for the hospitalized voter and that ballots must be returned to the county clerk before polls close on election day.

Opponents pressed the sponsor on definitions and administrative effects. Lawmakers asked whether the bill’s language about physical, emotional or mental impairment and the affidavit wording were inconsistent, and sought clarification about the treatment of incarcerated voters and the scale of county clerks’ responsibilities. Howard and other supporters said the provisions align with case law and that votes cast for a person’s home district, not the site of incarceration, would be counted.

Representative Alexander raised concerns about the clerks’ workload and how many names appear on permanent absentee lists; the sponsor and clerks’ representatives said the number of absentee registrants varies year to year and that this bill clarifies current practice rather than adding a large new administrative burden. Supporters argued failure to pass the bill could force agencies to reallocate services or result in reduced services for voters in need.

The House voted to pass HB24 by a 45–25 margin. The bill was forwarded to the Senate for consideration.