Requires each parish to have at least two early voting locations and requires early voting locations for certain municipalities. (gov sig) (OR +$17,828,630 GF EX See Note)
Impact
If enacted, SB343 would amend existing Louisiana voting laws to broaden accessibility for voters. Specifically, the bill mandates that at least one early voting location must be provided in each municipality with a population of 10,000 or more voters, which would help ensure that voters have more localized options for casting their ballots in advance of election day. This change is expected to promote higher voter turnout and engagement by making the voting process easier and more convenient for residents of various communities across the state.
Summary
Senate Bill 343 aims to enhance voter accessibility in Louisiana by requiring each parish to have at least two early voting locations. This legislation is particularly focused on ensuring that voters living in rural areas, defined as being more than 25 miles by roadway from the nearest early voting location, are permitted to vote absentee by mail. The intent of SB343 is to facilitate greater participation in the electoral process, especially for those who may have difficulty reaching traditional voting sites due to distance or mobility issues.
Sentiment
The sentiment around SB343 appears largely positive, with supporters advocating for the bill as a crucial step towards enhancing democratic participation. Advocates argue that by expanding early voting locations and allowing absentee mail voting for certain populations, the bill recognizes and addresses barriers faced by rural voters. However, there may be some concerns about the implementation logistics and the potential costs associated with establishing additional voting sites, which could prompt debate among stakeholders.
Contention
Notably, while the general principle of promoting voter access is widely supported, some members of the legislature may raise questions about the adequacy of resources and budget implications for implementing the bill. There may also be discussions regarding how the requirements could impact the operations of local election officials and the overall election processes in both urban and rural areas.
Requires approval by the secretary of state for the use and expands permissible locations of alternative locations for early voting. (8/1/23) (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)