AN ACT CONCERNING ABSENTEE VOTING FOR ALL AND VARIOUS OTHER REFORMS RELATED TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF ELECTIONS.
What changed between versions
The effective date for the new absentee voting rules changed from a fixed date of July 1, 2026 to 'from passage,' meaning the law takes effect immediately upon being signed into law.
New eligibility was added for primary, election, and referendum officials who must work at polling places other than their own during all voting hours, replacing the previous requirement that voters must have a religious objection to secular activity.
New requirements mandate that absentee ballot return envelopes must feature a state-generated barcode and specific warnings about ballot possession restrictions and penalties.
The statement required on the absentee ballot application was modified to remove the mandatory declaration that the voter 'will not appear' at their polling place, instead focusing on eligibility and adding the new official duties as a qualifying reason.
New instructions require that absentee ballot applications be signed by any person assisting the applicant, adding a layer of accountability to the application process.