Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that limits absentee and early voting, strips the secretary of state of his role as chair of the State Election Board, prevents county elections offices from receiving direct grant funding, shortens the state's runoff election period and requires counties to add more staff, equipment or polling places in large precincts with long voter lines.

Highlights:

• Specifies that a joint resolution may be introduced in either branch of the General Assembly to set a definite time for the nomination and election of the chairperson (Sec. 1, pg. 3)

• Chairperson must be nonpartisan and shall not have qualified as a partisan candidate for public office, or made any campaign contributions to a partisan candidate.

• Establishes the “Georgia Administrative Procedure Act” which allows the State Election Board to adopt emergency rules or regulations only in circumstances of imminent peril to public health, safety, or welfare (Sec. 3, Pg. 6).

• Limits absentee voting time periods to be received no more than 11 days prior to the primary, election, or runoff (Sec. 15, Pg. 18). 

• Establishes periods of advance voting (Sec. 18, pg. 38):

• On the fourth Monday, immediately prior to each primary or election; or

• No later to the second Monday immediately prior to a runoff.

Full Bill Text