Substitute for HB 2512 by Committee on Elections - Relating to advance voting ballots; requiring county election officers to provide at least four hours of advance voting in-person on the Saturday before an election; providing after January 1, 2025, such ballots cast in-person be received in the county election office by 7:00 p.m. on the Sunday proceeding the election; exception to allow voting in-person until 12:00 noon on Monday for good cause.
Impact
The passage of HB 2512 signifies a notable shift in the laws governing advance voting in Kansas. By requiring a tighter timeline for the submission of advance voting ballots, the bill is intended to streamline election processes and potentially reduce the window for discrepancies that could arise with late submissions. This could have broader implications for voter turnout, particularly for those who rely on advance voting options due to scheduling conflicts or personal circumstances.
Summary
House Bill 2512 aims to address regulations surrounding advance voting ballots by imposing new deadlines and requirements. Specifically, the bill mandates that if advance ballots are cast in person, they must be received at the county election office by 7:00 p.m. on the second day preceding an election. Furthermore, starting January 1, 2025, any ballots cast in-person will also need to comply with these new submission timelines. The aim of these changes is to enhance the integrity and efficiency of the voting process in Kansas.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding this bill include discussions on the implications of stricter deadlines. Critics might argue that the new timeline for the receipt of ballots could disenfranchise voters, particularly those who may not be aware of the changes or who encounter difficulties in returning their ballots on time. Additionally, the requirement for voter identification and the prohibition on certain ballot handling practices may raise concerns about accessibility and could disproportionately affect specific segments of the population, such as the elderly or disabled voters.
Requiring the election commissioners in the four largest counties to designate at least three advance voting sites as determined by the board of county commissioners and providing for in-person advance voting 20 days prior to an election in such counties.
Requiring that county election officers receive a request for an application for an advance voting ballot from a voter before mailing such application to such voter.
Requiring that all advance voting ballots deposited in a remote ballot box be considered provisional ballots until verified by the county election office.
Prohibiting remote ballot boxes, providing for reporting and publication of voting results and public access to voting records and materials, limiting advance voting provisions and requiring receipt of advance voting ballots by election day, limiting the size of precincts, making the general election a state holiday, providing that the sheriff has sole jurisdiction for and shall provide security at voting places, establishing the authority of the legislature over elections with preeminence over rules and regulations of the secretary of state and federal election law and making certain election crimes felonies.