HB 260 Summary

• Establishes a permanent absentee voting status that allows qualified voters to apply to receive absentee ballots automatically for all state elections without reapplying.

• Requires the director of elections to send absentee ballots by first class mail not later than 15 days before each state primary, general, and special election to voters with permanent absentee status.

• Permits voters to provide a different mailing address for ballot delivery and requires the director to make available a change of address form for permanent absentee voters.

• Automatically removes permanent absentee voter status if a voter does not vote or appear to vote in a primary, special, or general election for a period of four consecutive calendar years.

• Clarifies that permanent absentee voters retain the right to vote in person at precincts, before absentee voting officials, early, or by electronic transmission if they choose.

• Amends criminal statutes to apply existing prohibitions on unlawful ballot application practices to permanent absentee voting applications.

• Takes effect January 1, 2013.