SB 178 – Restrictions on sending out absentee ballot applications bill

Sponsored By: Senator Jeff Mullis et al.

Committee: Senate Ethics Committee 

Summary:

• Prohibits the Secretary of State and local election officials from sending out unsolicited absentee ballot applications. If the Secretary of State wishes to send out absentee ballot applications, they must obtain written approval from the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Lieutenant Governor. There were no previous restrictions on the Secretary of State’s ability to mail out unsolicited absentee ballot applications. 
• Disallowing local election officials or the Secretary of State to mail out absentee ballot applications to all voters will decrease absentee voting’s convenience and reduce turnout, especially for those without internet access.

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