HB 971 - Absentee Voting Summary

• Changes terminology throughout Florida election law from "absentee ballot" to "vote-by-mail ballot" to standardize language and clarify voting procedures.

• Amends 29 Florida Statutes sections related to voter registration, ballot distribution, canvassing procedures, and election administration to implement the new terminology consistently.

• Maintains existing voter protections including signature verification requirements, deadline compliance for ballot receipt, and procedures for handling damaged or defective ballots.

• Effective date: July 1, 2015.