HB 712 -- ABSENTEE BALLOTS

This bill allows an election authority to prepare absentee
ballots for counting on election day starting 5 days before the
election.  The bill prohibits an absentee ballot from being
counted by the same person who removed the ballot from its
envelope.

HB 712 -- ABSENTEE BALLOTS (Tate)

This bill prohibits an absentee ballot from being counted by the
same person who removed the ballot from its envelope.  This bill
also requires each election authority to prepare absentee
ballots for tabulation on election day within 5 days of the
election.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

HB 712 -- ABSENTEE BALLOTS

SPONSOR:  Tate

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee
on  Elections by a vote of 11 to 0.

This bill prohibits an absentee ballot from being counted by the
same person who removed the ballot from its envelope.  This bill
also requires each election authority to prepare absentee
ballots for tabulation on election day within 5 days of the
election.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill will help ensure voter
confidentiality, particularly in third class counties.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Tate; and Wendy
Noren, Boone County Clerk.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Martin Romitti, Research Analyst

HB 712 -- Absentee Ballots

Sponsor:  Tate

This bill prohibits an absentee ballot from being counted by the
same person who removed the ballot from its envelope.  This bill
also requires each election authority to prepare absentee
ballots for tabulation on election day within 5 days of the
election.