Session: State Capitol, Room 423 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Phone: (907) 465-4940 Fax: (907) 465-3766 Interim: 716 W 4th Avenue, Suite 450 Anchorage, AK 99501-2133 Phone: (907) 269-0106 Fax: (907) 269-0109 145 Main Steet Loop Kenai, AK 99611 Phone: (907) 283-7996 Fax: (907) 283-3075

Sponsor Statement for SB 187
Absentee Voting Stations

An Act relating to absentee voting stations.

This legislation will require the director of elections to notify the voting public of all "absentee in person voting" locations at least 60 days prior to an election. It will also provide a uniform statewide opening date for absentee in person voting. Currently the location and opening periods for absentee voting stations is at the discretion of the director of the division of elections and requires no public notice. This has lead to some inconsistencies in opening dates and voting locations.

SB 187 requires that the director of the division of elections provide full public notice of the location of all absentee voting stations at least 60 days prior to each election. No new absentee voting station sights may be added or opened after the 60-day notification period.

Absentee voting stations will be operated on or after the 15th day before a primary, general, or special election. Qualified voters may apply in person for an absentee ballot at the absentee voting station on or after the 15th day before an election up to and including the date of the election. Absentee voting stations cannot be opened early.

Having a uniform state wide opening date and prior notification of all absentee voting in person location will make for less confusion for the voters and a more even playing field for all concerned.

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