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HB 2117

Relating to when Mail In Ballots are Due

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Geno Chiarelli and 7 co-sponsors

House Bill 2117 enhances absentee voting in West Virginia by allowing first responders to vote electronically and extending ballot application deadlines for all voters.

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Bill Summary · HB 2117

Summary of House Bill 2117: Relating to Mail In Ballots Due Dates

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: HB 2117
- Title: Relating to when Mail In Ballots are Due
- Status: To Government Organization
- Introduced: January 29, 2025
- Classification: Bill
- Subject: Elections

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2117 aims to amend existing regulations regarding absentee voting in West Virginia, specifically focusing on the deadlines for mail-in ballots. The bill seeks to enhance accessibility for voters, particularly first responders, and streamline the absentee voting process.

Key Provisions

  1. Application Availability:

    • Applications for absentee ballots must be available both at the county clerk's office and online via the Secretary of State’s official website.

  2. Voting by Qualified First Responders:

    • The bill allows qualified first responders to vote by electronic absentee ballot under certain emergency circumstances.
    • Defines "qualified first responder" and outlines the process for submitting absentee voting applications.

  3. Submission Deadlines:

    • General Voters: Applications for absentee ballots must be accepted from January 1 of an election year or 84 days before the election, up to six days before the election.
    • Qualified First Responders: Applications can be submitted from 13 days before the election until 5:00 PM the day before the election.

  4. Prohibition on Unsolicited Applications:

    • Election officials are prohibited from providing unsolicited absentee ballot applications to voters.
    • Individuals are restricted from providing more than ten unsolicited applications to any voter, with violations resulting in misdemeanor penalties.

  5. Processing of Absentee Ballots:

    • The bill outlines the procedures for processing received electronic absentee ballots cast by qualified first responders.

Impact

  • Voters: The bill primarily affects voters in West Virginia, particularly those who are first responders, by providing them with more flexible voting options.
  • Election Officials: It imposes new responsibilities on election officials regarding the handling of absentee ballot applications and the prohibition of unsolicited applications.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: January 29, 2025
  • First Reading: February 4, 2025
  • Referred to Rules Committee: February 4, 2025
  • Passed House: March 6, 2025
  • Referred to Government Organization in Senate: March 7, 2025
  • Current Status: Awaiting further action in the Senate as of the latest update.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of House Bill 2117, detailing its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on voters and election processes in West Virginia.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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