S626 Summary

• Replaces provisions allowing near relatives or legal guardians to assist absentee voters with a requirement that assistance be provided by members of multipartisan teams trained and authorized by county boards of elections.

• Requires voters requesting absentee ballots to provide verification of their mailing address to the county board of elections if it differs from their registered residence address, with counties establishing procedures for verifying out-of-county addresses.

• Restricts who may deliver absentee ballots or sign as a witness to near relatives, legal guardians, or multipartisan team members, prohibiting hospital/nursing home employees and political candidates or party officials from assisting patients.

• Allows voters in hospitals or care facilities to obtain assistance from any person (outside of prohibited categories) if no near relative, legal guardian, or multipartisan team is available within seven calendar days of a telephonic request.

• Becomes effective January 1, 2020, and applies to all elections held on or after that date.