NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Secretary of State

SUMMARY

Synopsis of HVEC Amendment

The House Voters and Elections Committee amendment to House Bill 484 strikes the requirement that allows in-person absentee voting to be only on electronic voting machines. In addition, the amendment adds a provision that a County Clerk may allow an absent voter to vote on an electronic voting machine beginning on the fortieth day before the election. The amendment removes the statute changes proposes by the original amendment.

Synopsis of Original Bill

House Bill 484 provides that in-person absentee voting may occur only on electronic voting machines up to the Saturday prior to election day.

Significant Issues

Currently, in-person voting may occur up to the Thursday prior to election day. In addition, the bill inserts language that specifies that in-person voting at the County Clerk's office is only a convenience to the voter, and does not make the office an official polling place. Therefore, it will be unlawful to solicit votes, display or otherwise make accessible any posters, signs or other forms of campaign literature whatsoever in the clerk's office.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

There is no appropriation or significant fiscal impact contained within this bill.

MW