OLR Bill Analysis

SB 214

AN ACT CONCERNING PERMANENT ABSENTEE BALLOT STATUS FOR THE PERMANENTLY DISABLED.

SUMMARY:

Under this bill, electors who have permanent absentee ballot status automatically receive an absentee ballot, rather than a ballot application, for each election, primary, and referendum in the municipality in which they are eligible to vote.

The law requires registrars of voters to send an annual notice in January to determine whether such electors (1) continue to reside at the address on their application and (2) may remain on the permanent absentee ballot status list. If a notice is not returned within 30 days or returned as undeliverable, the registrars must remove the elector from the list.

The bill specifies that the elector with permanent absentee ballot status must return the notice according to the instructions on the form.

EFFECTIVE DATE: January 1, 2013

BACKGROUND

Permanent Absentee Ballot Status

By law, electors with permanent disabilities may apply to the registrars of voters for permanent absentee ballot status. To be eligible, an elector must file an application together with a doctor's certificate stating that he or she has a permanent disability and cannot appear in person at their polling place.

COMMITTEE ACTION

Government Administration and Elections Committee

Joint Favorable