Maine 2023-2024 Regular Session

Maine House Bill LD886

Introduced
2/28/23  
Refer
2/28/23  
Refer
2/28/23  
Engrossed
5/16/23  
Enrolled
5/23/23  

Caption

An Act to Allow Clerks to Issue Absentee Ballots After the 3rd Business Day Before Election Day to Voters with a Physical or Mental Disability and Certain Voters' Caregivers

Impact

The bill modifies existing election laws by allowing clerks to issue absentee ballots to specific voters who provide valid reasons for their requests after the established deadline. This change serves to remove barriers that have historically limited participation in the electoral process, particularly for vulnerable populations. By expanding the circumstances under which absentee ballots can be requested, LD886 aligns state law more closely with the principles of inclusivity and equal access to voting.

Summary

LD886, titled 'An Act to Allow Clerks to Issue Absentee Ballots After the 3rd Business Day Before Election Day to Voters with a Physical or Mental Disability and Certain Voters' Caregivers', aims to enhance voting accessibility for individuals facing physical or mental disabilities, as well as caregivers unable to attend polls on election day. This legislation allows for absentee ballots to be issued beyond the traditional cutoff date, ensuring that those who may face unexpected hardships can still exercise their right to vote.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around LD886 appears to be supportive, especially from advocates for disability rights and accessible voting. Legislative discussions reflect a recognition of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, as well as the importance of enabling participation in elections. While there might be some concerns regarding the administrative implications of such changes, the overarching view emphasizes the necessity of promoting equitable access to voting for all citizens.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the implementation and management of this bill, particularly concerning the potential for increased administrative burdens on clerks and election officials. Opponents may argue that extending deadlines could complicate voting logistics and voter ballot management. However, proponents maintain that the benefits of improved accessibility far outweigh these concerns, focusing on the ethical imperative to ensure all citizens can participate in democratic processes regardless of their physical or mental abilities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ME HF477

Voters allowed to join permanent absentee voter list, and absentee ballots required to automatically be sent before election to voters on permanent absentee voter list.

ME S247

Reduces standard voter registration deadline to eight days before election; allows voter registration at polling place on election day and at offices where mail-in ballots are issued within 45 days before election.

ME A1966

Reduces standard voter registration deadline to eight days before election; allows voter registration at polling place on election day and at offices where mail-in ballots are issued within 45 days before election.

ME SB0177

Elections: absent voters; electronic return of absent voter ballots by uniformed services voters and overseas voters; allow, and codify tabulating certain absent voter ballots received up to 6 days after the election. Amends secs. 759a & 764a of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.759a & 168.764a) & repeals sec. 18a of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.18a).

ME LD718

An Act to Require Municipal Clerks to Issue Absentee Ballots Only to Residents of That Municipality and to Eliminate Ongoing Absentee Voter Status

ME HF1253

Requirements related to the return of absentee ballots on election day modified, and absentee voting period modified for certain voters.

ME SF2493

Absentee ballots return on election day requirements provisions modifications and certain voters absentee voting period modifications provision

ME HB1652

Elections; voter identification containing photograph required; who may register up to and including the day of the election; absentee ballot application requirements; absentee voting in person availability; return of absentee ballots.

ME HB1162

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in county boards of elections, further providing for powers and duties of county boards; in preparation for and conduct of primaries and elections, further providing for manner of applying to vote, persons entitled to vote, voter's certificates, entries to be made in district register, numbered lists of voters and challenges and for ballots to be issued by election officers only, ballots not to be removed and official ballots only to be deposited or counted; in voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for applications for official absentee ballots, for date of application for absentee ballot, for official absentee voters ballots, for voting by absentee electors and for canvassing of official absentee absentee ballots and mail-in ballots; in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots, for official mail-in elector ballots and for voting by mail-in electors.

ME LD1148

Resolve, Directing the Secretary of State to Study Providing Access to Absentee Ballots for Municipal Elections to Uniformed Service Voters or Overseas Voters in the Same Manner as Absentee Ballots for Statewide Elections

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.