Sub. H. B. No. 680 Summary

• Modifies absent voter ballot application deadlines by changing the mail-in ballot application deadline from the third day to the seventh day before election day, and in-person application deadline from the last Friday to six p.m. on the last Friday before election day.

• Creates new Section 3501.40 prohibiting public officials from conducting elections outside the time, place, and manner prescribed by Ohio Revised Code, except as permitted under Section 161.09.

• Allows qualified electors who move or change their name but cannot appear at the board of elections office due to personal illness, physical disability, or infirmity to vote by absent ballot by meeting specified requirements and deadlines.

• Directs the Secretary of State to use federal CARES Act funds for costs related to the March 17, 2020 primary election, recruiting election officials, personal protective equipment, election equipment upgrades, and potentially mailing absent voter ballot applications to all Ohio electors for the November 3, 2020 general election.

• Eliminates prepayment of return postage on absent voter ballot applications and ballots by the Secretary of State and boards of elections.