Senate Bill 2851 Summary

• Authorizes the Secretary of State to establish a secure website for student voters to submit electronic absentee ballot applications with a copy of their student ID and institution registrar certification

• Defines "student absentee voter" as a registered elector enrolled in higher education whose studies require absence from their voting residence on election day

• Approved student absentee ballot requests remain valid from approval date until the following June 30, with automatic mailing of absentee ballots for all elections during that period

• Allows student absentee voters to submit applications up to 14 days before an election and permits any person age 18 or older to serve as attesting witness (instead of requiring oath administrators)

• Amends Mississippi Code sections 23-15-627, 23-15-631, 23-15-715, and 23-15-721 to incorporate student absentee voter provisions; effective July 1, 2018