Senate Bill 2140 Summary

• Authorizes the Secretary of State to establish a secure website for student voters to submit electronic absentee ballot applications along with a copy of their student identification card and a completed application signed by an institution registrar or deputy.

• Approved student absentee voter applications remain valid from the date of approval until the following June 30, after which students must submit a new application.

• Upon approval, the Secretary of State forwards applications to circuit and municipal clerks who affix their seals, and students automatically receive absentee ballots for all elections occurring during the approval period.

• Amends existing absentee voting law (Sections 23-15-627, 23-15-631, 23-15-715, and 23-15-721) to accommodate student absentee voters and exempts them from requiring notarization or oath administration by allowing any person age 18 or older to witness their ballot signature.

• Takes effect July 1, 2021.