Tennessee House Bill HB0600

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/23
• Refer: 2/1/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 2-6-202, relative to absentee ballots.

Impact

The proposed amendments would classify certain actions related to absentee ballots as Class A misdemeanors, including providing applications to others without request and creating forms for requesting absentee ballot applications. This change is expected to discourage potential abuses and promote integrity in the absentee voting process. By implementing these restrictions, the bill seeks to ensure that the procedures surrounding absentee voting are strictly followed.

Summary

House Bill 600 aims to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 2-6-202, concerning the regulations around absentee ballots. The bill stipulates that individuals, who are not election commission employees, cannot provide applications for absentee ballots to other individuals unless explicitly requested by that person. This measure is intended to tighten control over the distribution of absentee ballot applications, making it clear that unauthorized assistance in this area could lead to penalties.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB0600 could potentially highlight concerns over voter access and the implications of penalizing individuals for assisting others with absentee ballots. Critics might argue that this bill creates barriers that could hinder voters, particularly those who are elderly or disabled, from obtaining absentee ballots effectively. Supporters, however, are likely to advocate for the bill as a necessary measure to uphold the electoral process's integrity by preventing unauthorized or misleading applications.