AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- MAIL BALLOTS

HB 5709 modernizes the process for permanently disabled voters and long-term nursing home residents to automatically receive mail ballots for every election. It allows these voters to apply by submitting a simple form (affidavit) to their local election office, which will then send mail ballot applications to them without needing to reapply each election. The bill adds an online application option through the secretary of state’s portal and permits eligible voters to electronically return mail ballots using the same system as military and overseas voters, ensuring accessibility compliance. This directly affects voters with long-term disabilities or nursing home residency by simplifying their ballot access.