HB 5978 Summary

• Allows permanently disabled electors to obtain permanent absentee ballot status by submitting an application with a primary care provider's certification of permanent disability and inability to appear at their polling location.

• Permanently disabled electors with this status automatically receive absentee ballot applications for all elections, primaries, and referendums in their municipality for which they are eligible to vote.

• Permanent absentee ballot status remains in effect until the elector is removed from the municipal registry list, requests removal from the status, or is removed pursuant to the act's provisions.

• Registrars of voters must send written notice to all permanent absentee ballot status electors in January each year to verify their current address; failure to return the notice or return as undeliverable results in removal from permanent absentee ballot status.

• Electors who move within the same municipality retain permanent absentee ballot status after address updates, while those moving outside the municipality are removed from the registry and sent a new voter registration application.

• Effective January 1, 2012.