HS/HCS/SS/SCS/SBs 476, 427 & 62 - This act makes numerous changes to existing election law. With respect to voting, butterfly ballots are prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Secretary of State. The use of computerized voting systems is authorized.

Election judges may take time off from work without penalty. Election authorities may establish the compensation of election judges. Election judges may be from any political party or have no party affiliation. No political party may have a majority of judges at any polling place.

The Secretary of State shall set statewide uniform counting standards. This act eliminates election judges' discretion to count ballots where a voter's intent seems clear.

The Secretary of State's authority to collect technology trust fund fees is extended until December 31, 2009.

Regarding enforcement of election laws, the Secretary of State shall investigate allegations of election law violations in certain circumstances.

This act is similar to HCS/HBs 247, 109, 99 & 100.
VANESSA CALEB

HA 1 (AS AMENDED) - PERSONS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO VOTE UNLESS THEY HAVE REGISTERED TO VOTE IN THEIR JURISDICTION OF RESIDENCE.

-VOTER REGISTRATION APPLICATIONS SHALL BE TRANSMITTED TO THE APPROPRIATE ELECTION AUTHORITY WITHIN 5 BUSINESS DAYS AFTER COMPLETION.

-THE SECRETARY OF STATE SHALL DESIGN A NUMBERED VOTER REGISTRATION SYSTEM THAT WILL ALLOW TRACKING OF APPLICATIONS AND INFORM VOTERS OF THE REGISTRATION PROCESS.

-CLOSURE OF CERTAIN VOTER REGISTRATION RECORDS IS ALLOWED IF THE VOTERS' SAFETY MAY BE AT RISK.

-CARETAKERS OF HOMEBOUND PERSONS MAY VOTE ABSENTEE.

-RELATIVES WITHIN THE FIRST DEGREE MAY FILL OUT ABSENTEE BALLOT APPLICATIONS ON BEHALF OF A VOTER. ELECTION AUTHORITIES SHALL ACCEPT SUCH APPLICATIONS VIA FAX.

-ELECTIONEERING WITHIN FIFTY FEET OF A POLLING PLACE IS AN ELECTION OFFENSE.

HA 2 - UPON A VACANCY IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, THE GOVERNOR SHALL, WITHIN THIRTY DAYS, ISSUE A WRIT OF ELECTION TO SUPPLY THE VACANCY.