Senate Bill No. 845 Summary

• Requires the secretary of state to establish procedures allowing absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters to request and submit voter registration applications and absentee ballot applications by mail and electronic means, with at least one electronic communication method designated.

• Prohibits election authorities from refusing to accept valid voter registration applications or marked absentee ballots from absent uniformed services voters or overseas voters solely based on paper type or envelope type restrictions.

• Requires election authorities to print and make available absentee ballots, envelopes, and mailing materials for absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters not later than forty-five days prior to each general, primary, and special election for federal office.

• Permits absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters to request an absentee ballot for both primary and subsequent general elections with one application, and requires election authorities to provide written reasons if rejecting any application or request.

• Directs the secretary of state to develop a free access system allowing absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters to determine whether their absentee ballot has been received by the appropriate election official.