Bill
A 997
Overview: Bill Number: A 997, Title: Provides absentee ballots to all qualified voters; repealer, Status: REFERRED TO ELECTION LAW, Introduced: January 08, 2025Purpose and Intent:
Overview: Bill Number: A 997, Title: Provides absentee ballots to all qualified voters; repealer, Status: REFERRED TO ELECTION LAW, Introduced: January 08, 2025
Purpose and Intent: This bill aims to make absentee voting more accessible by providing absentee ballots to all qualified voters, regardless of their reason for requesting one. The goal is to increase voter participation and ensure that all eligible citizens can exercise their right to vote.
Key Provisions:
- Repeals the current requirement for voters to provide a specific reason (such as illness, disability, or travel) to request an absentee ballot
- Requires the state to automatically send absentee ballots to all registered, qualified voters prior to each election
- Maintains existing voter eligibility requirements and verification processes for absentee ballots
Affected Parties and Impacts:
- All registered, qualified voters in the state would be able to receive and cast absentee ballots without needing to provide a specific reason
- Election officials would need to adapt their processes to handle the increased volume of absentee ballots
- The change could lead to higher voter turnout, particularly among those who previously faced barriers to in-person voting
Procedural and Timeline Considerations:
The bill has been referred to the Election Law committee for further consideration. If passed and signed into law, the provisions for universal absentee ballots would take effect in time for the next scheduled statewide election.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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