HB 853 Summary

• Moves the start date for canvassing absentee ballots from the 28th day before the election to the 15th day before the election, with canvassing allowed to begin at 7 a.m.

• Changes the deadline for voters to submit updated signatures to their voter registration file from the 28th day before the election to the 15th day before the election.

• Maintains the prohibition on releasing absentee ballot results until after polls close on election day, with violations constituting a third-degree felony.

• Updates instructions provided to absentee voters and first-time voters to reflect the new 15th-day timeline for signature updates and canvassing start dates.

• Takes effect July 1, 2015.