SB2496 Summary

• Implements statewide elections by mail on a phased schedule: counties with fewer than 100,000 residents beginning in 2018, counties with fewer than 500,000 residents beginning in 2020, and all counties by the 2022 primary election.

• Establishes mail-in ballot procedures including ballot package components, mailing timelines (14-18 days before election), and voter return options via mail, places of deposit, or voter service centers.

• Creates voter service centers operating from 10 days before through election day to receive ballot deliveries, accommodate voters with disabilities, provide voter registration services, and assist during natural disasters.

• Divides election expenses between State and counties based on type of election: expenses for combined state-county elections split 50/50, with counties responsible for voter registration and State responsible for ballot printing and counting.

• Modifies the Election Day state holiday to apply only to individuals voting in person at absentee polling places in elections by mail counties, and extends election challenge filing deadlines from 6 to 13 days after primary elections.