CS/HB 361 - Vote-by-Mail Voting Summary

• Replaces all references to "absentee ballot" with "vote-by-mail ballot" throughout Florida election statutes to standardize terminology across election law.

• Updates voting procedures to allow absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters to request and receive ballots via email and facsimile in addition to mail.

• Requires supervisors of elections to notify absent voters of a free access system for tracking the status of their vote-by-mail ballots.

• Establishes procedures for voters to cure unsigned or deficient vote-by-mail ballots through affidavits, with deadlines for submission prior to canvassing.

• Takes effect July 1, 2016 and amends 35 Florida Statutes sections related to voter registration, ballot delivery, canvassing procedures, and election administration.