H.B. No. 542 Summary

• Creates section 3501.321 establishing conditions for courts to order polling places kept open past normal closing time, requiring petitioners to post a cash bond equal to estimated costs (waivable if indigent) and prove by clear and convincing evidence that no fair election is possible without the extension.

• Requires voters who cast ballots after court-ordered extensions to vote provisionally, with special election day panels in courts of appeals available to hear immediate appeals of extension orders.

• Establishes a $22.50 per hour compensation rate for precinct election officials working extended hours due to court orders, adjusted annually for inflation beginning in 2017.

• Mandates boards of elections estimate hourly costs of extended polling hours and file estimates with the Secretary of State prior to election day, with costs shared among state, county, and affected political subdivisions.

• Adds new section 2505.40 requiring courts of appeals to establish special election day panels available on notice to decide appeals of polling place extension orders on the day of the election.