SB 214: Elections and Primaries; electors to cast physical absentee on-request ballots as an alternative to using other authorized means of casting in-person votes; authorize - Georgia

LC 47 4256S/hss → LC 47 4318S/hrcs · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was transferred from the Governmental Affairs Committee to the Rules Committee and significantly expanded its scope to include 'hand marked paper ballots' as a new definition. It also added provisions for revising recount procedures and updating offense references to include ballot on demand printing equipment.

Scope change

The bill's scope was expanded to explicitly include hand-marked paper ballots and to address recount procedures, in addition to the existing focus on ballot on demand printing and electronic devices.

DEFINITION

Added a new definition for 'hand marked paper ballot' to clarify that manually completed ballots using non-electronic markers are covered under the election regulations.

REQUIREMENT

Added requirements to revise provisions related to recounts of votes, ensuring the new voting equipment and ballot types are accounted for in vote counting processes.

Updated references to certain offenses to explicitly include ballot on demand printing equipment, broadening the legal framework for handling violations related to new technology.

TECHNICAL

Changed the committee offering the substitute from Governmental Affairs to Rules, indicating a procedural shift in how the bill is being processed.

As Passed Senate → LC 47 4256S/hss · 6 edits

MODERATE

This bill replaces the old requirement for a uniform statewide voting system with a new mandate for the state to provide new voting equipment by January 1, 2028. It updates definitions to clarify 'ballot on demand printing' and shifts the focus from a single uniform system to specific provisions for equipment storage, testing, and accessibility devices for voters with disabilities.

Scope change

The bill's scope changed from establishing a uniform statewide voting system to providing specific equipment standards and dates for the state to supply new voting technology, while also adding provisions for accessibility and pilot programs.

TIMELINE

The effective date for state-provided voting equipment was changed from 'as soon as possible' to a specific deadline of January 1, 2028.

DEFINITION

The definition of 'ballot on demand printing' was simplified to remove the requirement that it be a 'stand-alone system' and instead describe it as a system that prints ballots for each style within a county.

REQUIREMENT

New requirements were added to ensure a specific number of electronic ballot marking devices are available for voters with disabilities at each election and advance voting location.

The bill now includes preferential treatment during advance voting and on election day for voters accompanied by children two years of age or younger.

The section regarding pilot programs was updated to include testing for ballot on demand printing and ballot scanners, and to amend a 2024 law to revise an effective date.

TECHNICAL

New provisions require ballot scanners to be programmed to reject ballots with overvotes, allowing voters to review their choices before the ballot is accepted.

As introduced LC 47 3286 → As Passed Senate · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was fundamentally rewritten to shift its focus from authorizing voters to cast physical absentee-on-request ballots to mandating the state provide uniform optical scanning voting systems and ballot-on-demand printers. This change replaces the previous provision allowing voters to hand-mark ballots at polling places with a requirement for counties to use specific electronic equipment for all elections.

Scope change

The scope changed from a limited provision allowing specific types of physical absentee voting to a comprehensive mandate requiring the state to supply and standardize electronic voting equipment across all counties.

ELIGIBILITY

The specific authorization for voters to cast physical 'absentee on-request' ballots at polling places was removed entirely.

REQUIREMENT

New requirements mandate that the state must provide uniform optical scanning voting systems and ballot-on-demand printing systems to every county.

New provisions require counties to provide adequate polling places with electrical outlets and technical support for the installation and operation of the new voting equipment.

DEFINITION

A new definition for 'ballot on demand printing' was added, defining it as a standalone system that prints ballots for each style within a county.

TECHNICAL

The bill now requires all federal, state, and county elections to use scanning ballots marked by electronic ballot markers and optical scanning systems, replacing the previous allowance for hand-marked ballots.

Elections and Primaries; electors to cast physical absentee on-request ballots as an alternative to using other authorized means of casting in-person votes; authorize

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