Elections; electronic return of voted military-overseas ballots.
Impact
If enacted, this bill would have significant implications for how elections are conducted for military members and overseas citizens in Virginia. It aims to address the challenges typically faced by these voters, such as difficulties in receiving and returning ballots in a timely manner. The pilot program will not only test the feasibility of electronic voting but also improve the overall voter participation from military and overseas demographics. However, the bill stipulates that the program will only be in effect during the designated primary election period and is set to expire by the end of 2027 unless further action is taken to make it permanent.
Summary
House Bill 880 aims to establish a pilot program for the electronic return of voted military-overseas ballots during primary elections. This initiative is designed to facilitate the voting process for overseas voters who are registered in participating counties or cities, allowing them to submit their ballots electronically rather than relying solely on mail services, which can be inconsistent and slow. The bill outlines that the Commissioner of Elections will need to develop secure protocols for the transmission, storage, and processing of these electronically returned ballots, ensuring they are verifiable and auditable.
Contention
Despite its potential benefits, there may be varying opinions regarding the implementation of electronic voting for military-overseas ballots. Proponents argue that this move could enhance electoral participation among those in the armed forces or living abroad, reducing barriers to participation. However, concerns may arise regarding the security of digital ballots and the integrity of the electoral process. Critics might argue that electronic voting could expose ballots to potential hacking or tampering, and any discrepancies in electronically submitted ballots could raise questions about trust in election outcomes. Therefore, thorough security measures and public trust will be crucial during the pilot phase.
Elections: absent voters; electronic return of absent voter ballots by military voters and their spouses; provide for. Amends sec. 759a of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.759a) & repeals sec. 18a of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.18a).
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).
Elections: absent voters; electronic return of absent voter ballots by uniformed services voters; amend start date. Amends sec. 759a of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.759a).
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 5; Title 6; Title 7 and Title 8, Chapter 44, relative to meetings conducted with electronic participation.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 5; Title 6; Title 7 and Title 8, Chapter 44, relative to meetings conducted with electronic participation.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 5; Title 6; Title 7 and Title 8, Chapter 44, relative to meetings conducted with electronic participation.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 5; Title 6; Title 7 and Title 8, Chapter 44, relative to meetings conducted with electronic participation.
Civil rights: open meetings; remote meeting participation of certain public body members with disabilities; provide for. Amends sec. 3a of 1976 PA 267 (MCL 15.263a).
Enacting the interstate teacher mobility compact to recognize equivalent teacher licenses across member states, requiring that licensing bodies provide verified electronic credentials to all credential holders based on their credentials from other jurisdictions and requiring licensing bodies to use centralized electronic credential data management systems capable of providing instantaneous credential verification.
Civil rights: open meetings; municipal public employee retirement boards; allow meetings subject to open meetings act to be conducted remotely. Amends sec. 3a of 1976 PA 267 (MCL 15.263a).