SB 177 Summary

• Establishes the Elections Emergency Act to provide procedures for suspending or delaying elections during emergencies, including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, epidemics, technological failures, and other conditions substantially impairing voters' ability to exercise their right to vote.

• Authorizes the Governor to suspend or delay elections upon declaring a state of emergency or issuing a declaration of imminent threat, either independently or at the request of the Secretary of State, county probate judges, or municipal clerks.

• Requires rescheduled elections to be held within 10 calendar days of the suspended or delayed election date, with notice published at least once in newspapers of general circulation and broadcast on radio and television stations at least one week prior.

• Directs the Secretary of State to adopt a statewide elections emergency contingency plan containing procedures for notifying authorities and the public, conducting rescheduled elections, and certifying election returns.

• Allows county commissions to establish additional polling places outside affected precincts when the Governor declares a state of emergency on election day, using the registration books from the affected precinct.