Raised Bill No. 6693 - Summary

• Requires ballot counters to count absentee ballots immediately upon delivery by the municipal clerk before or at 6:00 p.m. on election day, changing the previous allowance for counting at a single time during the day.

• Establishes procedures for notifying voters whose absentee ballots may be rejected due to defects (unsigned envelope or unmet voter registration requirements), allowing them to either correct the defect or vote in person before polls close.

• Mandates that municipal clerks include prepaid postage with each absentee voting set issued to applicants for the return of completed ballots.

• Requires persons distributing five or more absentee ballot applications to register with the town clerk and maintain a list of prospective applicants and completed applications received.

• Designates completed and signed absentee ballot application forms as public records subject to public inspection for 60 days after an election, primary, or referendum.

• Effective date: October 1, 2023