Bill > SB855

This bill modifies the circumstances under which a qualified voter in West Virginia can cast an absentee ballot by mail. It expands the definition of a voter confined due to disability or physical disability, and clarifies that illness preventing in-person voting throughout the entire early voting period is a valid reason. The bill also removes outdated reasons for absence from the county, such as personal or business travel, and instead focuses on situations where a voter expects to be absent. It retains provisions for absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters, as defined by federal law, and adds participation in the Address Confidentiality Program as a reason for absentee voting. Additionally, the bill outlines specific conditions for voting an electronic absentee ballot, including for those with physical disabilities, absent uniformed services or overseas voters, and qualified first responders called away on emergency duty. Finally, it details provisions for emergency absentee ballots for voters confined to a hospital or healthcare facility, those in nursing homes, or those who become ill or injured shortly before an election, and for replacement poll workers assigned to a precinct outside their voting district.

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http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=855&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill