HB 5954 Summary

• Removes requirement for voters to state statutory grounds when applying for absent voter ballots; allows any registered elector to request an absent voter ballot without justification.

• Eliminates specific eligibility categories (disability, religious observance, age 60+, absence from community, election inspector status, jail confinement) that previously limited who could vote absentee.

• Replaces detailed absent voter ballot application form with simplified version removing checkboxes for statutory reasons and statements of qualification.

• Maintains application deadline of 75 days before election through 2 p.m. Saturday before election, with emergency ballots available until 4 p.m. on election day.

• Preserves restrictions on who may handle signed applications and criminal penalties for false statements, forgery, and unauthorized distribution/collection of applications.