Signed by Governor Brad Little

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes the early processing of absentee ballots for the 2020 election.

Highlights:

• Requires absentee ballots that are validly requested by uniformed and overseas voters, where the request is received at least 45 days before an election, to be sent no later than 45 days before that election (Sec. 1).

• Requires any other validly requested absentee ballots, where the request is received at least 30 days before an election, to be sent no later than 30 days before that election (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that these provisions apply to any election that takes place prior to December 31, 2020 (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes counties that count ballots at a central location to open and scan absentee ballots beginning 7 days prior to election day for any election taking place before December 31, 2020 (Sec. 2).

• Requires such absentee ballots to be boxed and secured each day after being opened and scanned, and prohibits results from being tabulated for absentee ballots until the polls close on the day of the election (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text