Senate panel hears divided testimony on S.297 to let towns pilot electronic ballot return

The Senate Committee on Government Operations heard proponent testimony that S.297 would expand access for voters with disabilities and overseas voters by allowing municipalities to opt in to electronic ballot return with required paper transcriptions and security standards, while municipal clerks and cybersecurity critics warned of malware, vendor risks and implementation challenges. The committee asked for further testimony from town clerks and security experts before advancing the bill.