HB1715 Summary

• Reduces the threshold for presumption of intent to defraud from possession of more than 10 absentee ballots to more than 4 absentee ballots.

• Prohibits county clerks from distributing unsolicited absentee ballot applications or unsolicited absentee ballots to electors, but allows displaying applications online, posting links on social media, and making paper copies available upon request.

• Requires county clerks to verify absentee ballot applications by checking voter name, address, date of birth, and signature against voter registration records unless applications are submitted electronically.

• Restricts county clerk and deputy access to absentee ballots and ballot materials after outer envelopes are opened, unless the county board of election commissioners grants access by affirmative vote for a specific purpose.

• Amends spoiled ballot procedures to require poll workers to use a "CANCELLED" stamp, write the date and time, and sign their name next to the stamp on spoiled ballots.