Absentee voting; establish electronic application procedure for college students.
If enacted, SB2065 will amend existing sections of the Mississippi Code regarding absentee voting, specifically targeting enhancements to the application process for student absentee voters. The proposed law stipulates that once a student's electronic application is approved, they will automatically receive absentee ballots for all elections occurring during the designated timeframe until June 30 of the following year. This is expected to increase participation rates among student voters who face challenges in voting absentee due to logistical and bureaucratic hurdles.
Senate Bill 2065 aims to facilitate absentee voting for students enrolled in higher education institutions by allowing them to submit electronic applications for absentee ballots via a secure website established by the Secretary of State. This bill defines a 'student absentee voter' as a person who is a registered voter but is physically absent from their voting residence due to college or university commitments on election days. Students will now be able to easily apply for absentee ballots using their student identification cards and an electronic form, streamlining the process of voting while away from home.
There may be points of contention regarding the security and validation of electronic submissions, as opponents might argue that online processes could increase the risk of fraud or voter confusion. Additionally, questions could arise surrounding the effectiveness of outreach efforts to inform students of these new procedures, particularly among those who are already disenfranchised or less engaged in the electoral process. Furthermore, there may be discussions about the potential administrative burdens placed on the Secretary of State's office to manage these new electronic applications and ensure compliance with voting regulations.