Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

Georgia Senate Bill SB101

Introduced
2/6/23  
Refer
2/7/23  
Introduced
2/6/23  

Caption

Elections and Primaries; application for an absentee ballot in a primary or election shall also be an automatic application for an absentee ballot in a runoff resulting from such primary or election; provide

Impact

The bill amends Chapter 2 of Title 21 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, impacting the efficiency and accessibility of absentee voting. By consolidating the application process, supporters argue that it promotes higher voter participation, particularly among those who may struggle with understanding complex voting procedures, such as disabled voters and those living temporarily out of state. Additionally, it encourages those who may otherwise miss voting in runoff elections to cast their ballots.

Summary

Senate Bill 101 aims to streamline the absentee voting process in Georgia by introducing an automatic application mechanism for absentee ballots. Specifically, it mandates that an application for an absentee ballot in primary or general elections also serves as an automatic application for any runoffs that may result from those elections. This legislative change is designed to simplify the voting process for absentee voters, ensuring they do not need to submit multiple applications for each election cycle.

Contention

Despite its intended benefits, SB101 could face contention from various stakeholders. Some critics may express concerns that the automatic application process could complicate verification mechanisms, potentially leading to fraudulent voting practices. Others might argue that the bill does not adequately address the needs of all voters, particularly those who may still prefer a personal application process or have unique circumstances surrounding their voting eligibility. The balance between facilitating easier voting access and maintaining electoral integrity remains a point of debate.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

GA SB271

Elections and Primaries; permanent absentee voter list; provide

GA HB1162

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in county boards of elections, furth er providing for powers and duties of county boards; in preparation for and conduct of primaries and elections, further providing for manner of applying to vote, persons entitled to vote, voter's certificates, entries to be made in district register, numbered lists of voters and challenges and for ballots to be issued by election officers only, ballots not to be removed and official ballots only to be deposited or counted; in voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for applications for official absentee ballots, for date of application for absentee ballot, for official absentee voters ballots, for voting by absentee electors and for canvassing of official absentee absentee ballots and mail-in ballots; in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots, for official mail-in elector ballots and for voting by mail-in electors.

GA SB214

Elections and Primaries; electors to cast physical absentee on-request ballots as an alternative to using other authorized means of casting in-person votes; authorize

GA SB370

Elections and Primaries; closed primaries; provide

GA SB599

In county boards of elections, further providing for expenses of county boards and of primaries and elections to be paid by county, expenses of special elections and boards to be provided with offices; in voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for date of application for absentee ballot and for voting by absentee electors; and, in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for voting by mail-in electors.

GA HB499

In voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for applications for official absentee ballots, for date of application for absentee ballot, for envelopes for official absentee ballots and for voting by absentee electors and providing for secure ballot return receptacles; and, in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots, for date of application for mail-in ballot, for approval of application for mail-in ballot, for envelopes for official mail-in ballots and for voting by mail-in electors.

GA HB473

In voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for applications for official absentee ballots; and, in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots.

GA HB280

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in qualifications of electors, furth er providing for qualifications of electors at primaries; in party organization, further providing for only enrolled electors to vote at primaries or hold party offices; in nomination of candidates, further providing for candidates to be nominated and party officers to be elected at primaries and providing for procedure for unenrolled electors to cast primary ballots; in preparation for and conduct of primaries and elections, further providing for manner of applying to vote, persons entitled to vote, voter's certificates, entries to be made in district register, numbered lists of voters and challenges; in voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for applications for official absentee ballots; in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots; in returns of primaries and elections, further providing for computation of returns by county board, certification and issuance of certificates of election; and, in penalties, further providing for election officers refusing to permit elector to vote in proper party at primaries and repealing provisions relating to elector voting ballot of wrong party at primary.

GA HB633

Elections; add caregivers to list of persons who may make absentee ballot applications for certain electors

GA HB320

Absentee ballots; authorize executive committees to process for primary elections.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.