MS HB992

Authorize enlisted soldiers and certain other absent voters (including members of Merchant Marine, American Red Cross, disabled war veterans, and civilians serving with Armed Forces) to sign absentee ballot applications using electronic signatures.

Allow absent voters to receive and return absentee ballots by mail, facsimile (FAX), or electronic mail (email) at their discretion.

Require absentee ballots from absent voters defined in Section 23-15-673 to be received by the registrar by 7:00 p.m. on election day, instead of the standard 5:00 p.m. deadline the day before the election.

Direct the Secretary of State to adopt rules implementing electronic signature procedures for absentee ballot applications.

Require the Mississippi Attorney General to submit the act to the federal Attorney General or U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia for approval under the Voting Rights Act of 1965.