Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with House amendments and pass a bill that authorizes active-duty overseas military voters, serving members of the merchant marines, and their spouses to submit their ballots electronically.

Highlights:

• Authorizes eligible members to electronically return their voted absentee ballot or federal write-in ballot to the appropriate city or township clerk (Sec 759a).

• Defines an eligible member as any member of the uniformed service on active duty, any member of the merchant marine currently serving, and their spouses that are located outside of the United States at the time of the election (Sec 759a).

• Requires the secretary of state to (Sec 759a):

• Confirm that the signature on the electronically returned ballot matches the signature of the eligible member;

• Verify that the electronic absentee ballot is received by 8 p.m. on election day;

• Ensure that each city or township clerk provides the county clerk with a list of all of the electronic ballots received;

• Certify that eligible voters are actually absent from the United States;

• Include any additional security measures considered appropriate to ensure and verify ballot secrecy and integrity.

• Authorizes the secretary of state to develop and maintain a secure web portal to facilitate the electronic return of voted ballots from overseas voters (Sec 759a).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that authorizes active-duty overseas military voters, serving members of the merchant marines, and their spouses to submit their ballots electronically.

Highlights:

• Authorizes eligible members to electronically return their voted absentee ballot or federal write-in ballot to the appropriate city or township clerk (Sec 759a).

• Defines an eligible member as any member of the uniformed service on active duty, any member of the merchant marine currently serving, and their spouses that are located outside of the United States at the time of the election (Sec 759a).

• Requires the secretary of state to (Sec 759a):

• Confirm that the signature on the electronically returned ballot matches the signature of the eligible member;

• Verify that the electronic absentee ballot is received by 8 p.m. on election day;

• Ensure that each city or township clerk provides the county clerk with a list of all of the electronic ballots received;

• Certify that eligible voters are actually absent from the United States;

• Include any additional security measures considered appropriate to ensure and verify ballot secrecy and integrity.

• Authorizes the secretary of state to develop and maintain a secure web portal to facilitate the electronic return of voted ballots from overseas voters (Sec 759a).

Full Bill Text