First Substitute H.B. 165
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7 LONG TITLE
8 General Description:
9 This bill amends provisions of the Election Code to provide that all elections, except
10 for an exempt jurisdiction, are conducted by absentee ballot, with the option of voting
11 at an election day voting center on election day.
12 Highlighted Provisions:
13 This bill:
14 . provides that, except for voting that occurs at an election day voting center on
15 election day, or an election in an exempt jurisdiction, all elections be conducted by
16 absentee ballot;
17 . provides that, except for a voter in an exempt jurisdiction, a voter who is not
18 temporarily absent from the voter's voting precinct is not required to submit an
19 application to receive an absentee ballot;
20 . establishes procedures for administering and conducting an election described in
21 this bill, including procedures relating to an election day voting center;
22 . provides that provisions related to early voting apply only to an exempt jurisdiction;
23 . establishes procedures and criteria for becoming an exempt jurisdiction; and
24 . makes technical and conforming changes.
25 Money Appropriated in this Bill:
26 None
27 Other Special Clauses:
28 This bill takes effect on October 1, 2015.
29 Utah Code Sections Affected:
30 AMENDS:
31 20A-1-102 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2013, Chapter 320
32 20A-1-302 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2006, Chapter 264
33 20A-3-104 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2010, Chapter 197
34 20A-3-104.5 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2011, Chapter 335
35 20A-3-105 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapter 75
36 20A-3-105.5 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2013, Chapter 390
37 20A-3-106 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2006, Chapter 326
38 20A-3-107 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapter 75
39 20A-3-108 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2011, Chapter 366
40 20A-3-109 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapter 75
41 20A-3-201 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2009, Chapter 388
42 20A-3-202.3 , as enacted by Laws of Utah 2010, Chapter 83
43 20A-3-202.5 , as enacted by Laws of Utah 2010, Chapter 83
44 20A-3-301 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2013, Chapter 198
45 20A-3-304 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2013, Chapters 198, 218 and last
46 amended by Coordination Clause, Laws of Utah 2013, Chapter 198
47 20A-3-304.1 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 382
48 20A-3-305 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2012, Chapter 309
49 20A-3-306 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2013, Chapters 198, 219, 320 and last
50 amended by Coordination Clause, Laws of Utah 2013, Chapter 198
51 20A-3-306.5 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2013, Chapter 219
52 20A-3-307 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2012, Chapter 309
53 20A-3-308 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2012, Chapter 309
54 20A-3-601 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2013, Chapter 182
55 20A-3-602 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2013, Chapter 182
56 20A-3-603 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2013, Chapter 182
57 20A-3-604 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2013, Chapter 182
58 20A-3-605 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2013, Chapter 320
59 20A-3-702 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2013, Chapter 198
60 20A-3-703 , as enacted by Laws of Utah 2011, Chapter 291
61 20A-5-605 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapter 75
62 REPEALS:
63 20A-3-302 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2013, Chapter 320
64
65 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
66 Section 1. Section 20A-1-102 is amended to read:
67 20A-1-102. Definitions.
68 As used in this title:
69 (1) "Active voter" means a registered voter who has not been classified as an inactive
70 voter by the county clerk.
71 (2) "Automatic tabulating equipment" means apparatus that automatically examines
72 and counts votes recorded on paper ballots or ballot sheets and tabulates the results.
73 (3) (a) "Ballot" means the storage medium, whether paper, mechanical, or electronic,
74 upon which a voter records the voter's votes.
75 (b) "Ballot" includes ballot sheets, paper ballots, electronic ballots, and secrecy
76 envelopes.
77 (4) "Ballot sheet":
78 (a) means a ballot that:
79 (i) consists of paper or a card where the voter's votes are marked or recorded; and
80 (ii) can be counted using automatic tabulating equipment; and
81 (b) includes punch card ballots and other ballots that are machine-countable.
82 (5) "Ballot label" means the cards, papers, booklet, pages, or other materials that:
83 (a) contain the names of offices and candidates and statements of ballot propositions to
84 be voted on; and
85 (b) are used in conjunction with ballot sheets that do not display that information.
86 (6) "Ballot proposition" means a question, issue, or proposal that is submitted to voters
87 on the ballot for their approval or rejection including:
88 (a) an opinion question specifically authorized by the Legislature;
89 (b) a constitutional amendment;
90 (c) an initiative;
91 (d) a referendum;
92 (e) a bond proposition;
93 (f) a judicial retention question;
94 (g) an incorporation of a city or town; or
95 (h) any other ballot question specifically authorized by the Legislature.
96 (7) "Bind," "binding," or "bound" means securing more than one piece of paper
97 together with a staple or stitch in at least three places across the top of the paper in the blank
98 space reserved for securing the paper.
99 (8) "Board of canvassers" means the entities established by Sections 20A-4-301 and
100 20A-4-306 to canvass election returns.
101 (9) "Bond election" means an election held for the purpose of approving or rejecting
102 the proposed issuance of bonds by a government entity.
103 (10) "Book voter registration form" means voter registration forms contained in a
104 bound book that are used by election officers and registration agents to register persons to vote.
105 (11) "Business reply mail envelope" means an envelope that may be mailed free of
106 charge by the sender.
107 (12) "By-mail voter registration form" means a voter registration form designed to be
108 completed by the voter and mailed to the election officer.
109 (13) "Canvass" means the review of election returns and the official declaration of
110 election results by the board of canvassers.
111 (14) "Canvassing judge" means a poll worker designated to assist in counting ballots at
112 the canvass.
113 (15) "Contracting election officer" means an election officer who enters into a contract
114 or interlocal agreement with a provider election officer.
115 (16) "Convention" means the political party convention at which party officers and
116 delegates are selected.
117 (17) "Counting center" means one or more locations selected by the election officer in
118 charge of the election for the automatic counting of ballots.
119 (18) "Counting judge" means a poll worker designated to count the ballots during
120 election day.
121 (19) "Counting poll watcher" means a person selected as provided in Section
122 20A-3-201 to witness the counting of ballots.
123 (20) "Counting room" means a suitable and convenient private place or room,
124 immediately adjoining the place where the election is being held, for use by the poll workers
125 and counting judges to count ballots during election day.
126 (21) "County officers" means those county officers that are required by law to be
127 elected.
128 (22) "Date of the election" or "election day" or "day of the election":
129 (a) means the day that is specified in the calendar year as the day that the election
130 occurs; and
131 (b) does not include:
132 (i) deadlines established for absentee voting; or
133 (ii) any early voting or early voting period as provided under Chapter 3, Part 6, Early
134 Voting.
135 (23) "Elected official" means:
136 (a) a person elected to an office under Section 20A-1-303 ;
137 (b) a person who is considered to be elected to a municipal office in accordance with
138 Subsection 20A-1-206 (1)(c)(ii); or
139 (c) a person who is considered to be elected to a local district office in accordance with
140 Subsection 20A-1-206 (3)(c)(ii).
141 (24) "Election" means a regular general election, a municipal general election, a
142 statewide special election, a local special election, a regular primary election, a municipal
143 primary election, and a local district election.
144 (25) "Election Assistance Commission" means the commission established by Public
145 Law 107-252, the Help America Vote Act of 2002.
146 (26) "Election cycle" means the period beginning on the first day persons are eligible to
147 file declarations of candidacy and ending when the canvass is completed.
148 (27) "Election judge" means a poll worker that is assigned to:
149 (a) preside over other poll workers at a polling place;
150 (b) act as the presiding election judge; or
151 (c) serve as a canvassing judge, counting judge, or receiving judge.
152 (28) "Election officer" means:
153 (a) the lieutenant governor, for all statewide ballots and elections;
154 (b) the county clerk for:
155 (i) a county ballot and election; and
156 (ii) a ballot and election as a provider election officer as provided in Section
157 20A-5-400.1 or 20A-5-400.5 ;
158 (c) the municipal clerk for:
159 (i) a municipal ballot and election; and
160 (ii) a ballot and election as a provider election officer as provided in Section
161 20A-5-400.1 or 20A-5-400.5 ;
162 (d) the local district clerk or chief executive officer for:
163 (i) a local district ballot and election; and
164 (ii) a ballot and election as a provider election officer as provided in Section
165 20A-5-400.1 or 20A-5-400.5 ; or
166 (e) the business administrator or superintendent of a school district for:
167 (i) a school district ballot and election; and
168 (ii) a ballot and election as a provider election officer as provided in Section
169 20A-5-400.1 or 20A-5-400.5 .
170 (29) "Election official" means any election officer, election judge, or poll worker.
171 (30) "Election results" means:
172 (a) for an election other than a bond election, the count of votes cast in the election and
173 the election returns requested by the board of canvassers; or
174 (b) for bond elections, the count of those votes cast for and against the bond
175 proposition plus any or all of the election returns that the board of canvassers may request.
176 (31) "Election returns" includes the pollbook, the military and overseas absentee voter
177 registration and voting certificates, one of the tally sheets, any unprocessed absentee ballots, all
178 counted ballots, all excess ballots, all unused ballots, all spoiled ballots, the ballot disposition
179 form, and the total votes cast form.
180 (32) "Electronic ballot" means a ballot that is recorded using a direct electronic voting
181 device or other voting device that records and stores ballot information by electronic means.
182 (33) "Electronic signature" means an electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to
183 or logically associated with a record and executed or adopted by a person with the intent to sign
184 the record.
185 (34) (a) "Electronic voting device" means a voting device that uses electronic ballots.
186 (b) "Electronic voting device" includes a direct recording electronic voting device.
187 (35) "Exempt jurisdiction" means a county, a municipality, or a local district that
188 receives an exemption, under Subsection 20A-3-104 (9), from the requirements of Subsections
189 20A-3-104 (1) through (4).
190 [
191 (a) been sent the notice required by Section 20A-2-306 ; and
192 (b) failed to respond to that notice.
193 [
194 witness the receipt and safe deposit of voted and counted ballots.
195 [
196 [
197 county court judge.
198 [
199 Purpose Local Government Entities - Local Districts, and includes a special service district
200 under Title 17D, Chapter 1, Special Service District Act.
201 [
202 by law to be elected.
203 [
204 election, a local district election, and a bond election.
205 [
206 district, or a local school district.
207 [
208 body of a local political subdivision in which all registered voters of the local political
209 subdivision may vote.
210 [
211 (a) the mayor in the council-mayor form of government defined in Section 10-3b-102 ;
212 or
213 (b) the mayor in the council-manager form of government defined in Subsection
214 10-3b-103 (6).
215 [
216 local districts on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of each odd-numbered
217 year for the purposes established in Section 20A-1-202 .
218 [
219 form of municipal government.
220 [
221 [
222 law to be elected.
223 [
224 candidates for municipal office.
225 [
226 poll workers to be given to voters to record their votes.
227 [
228 (a) the information on the ballot that identifies:
229 (i) the ballot as an official ballot;
230 (ii) the date of the election; and
231 (iii) the facsimile signature of the election officer; and
232 (b) the information on the ballot stub that identifies:
233 (i) the poll worker's initials; and
234 (ii) the ballot number.
235 [
236 by the election officer that contains the information required by Section 20A-5-401 .
237 [
238 (a) the names of offices and candidates and statements of ballot propositions to be
239 voted on; and
240 (b) spaces for the voter to record the voter's vote for each office and for or against each
241 ballot proposition.
242 [
243 qualified to participate in an election by meeting the requirements of Chapter 8, Political Party
244 Formation and Procedures.
245 [
246 with an election, voting, or counting votes.
247 (b) "Poll worker" includes election judges.
248 (c) "Poll worker" does not include a watcher.
249 [
250 appear to cast votes.
251 [
252 [
253 ballot in which the voter marks the voter's choice.
254 [
255 contract or interlocal agreement with a contracting election officer to conduct an election for
256 the contracting election officer's local political subdivision in accordance with Section
257 20A-5-400.1 .
258 [
259 (a) whose name is not listed on the official register at the polling place;
260 (b) whose legal right to vote is challenged as provided in this title; or
261 (c) whose identity was not sufficiently established by a poll worker.
262 [
263 required by Section 20A-6-105 that is used to identify provisional ballots and to provide
264 information to verify a person's legal right to vote.
265 [
266 nominees for the regular primary election are selected.
267 [
268 (a) is built into a voting machine; and
269 (b) records the total number of movements of the operating lever.
270 [
271 performing the duties of the position for which the person was elected.
272 [
273 official register, provides the voter with a ballot, and removes the ballot stub from the ballot
274 after the voter has voted.
275 [
276 voter registration form.
277 [
278 [
279 the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of each even-numbered year for the
280 purposes established in Section 20A-1-201 .
281 [
282 June of each even-numbered year, to nominate candidates of political parties and nonpolitical
283 groups to advance to the regular general election.
284 [
285 Utah.
286 [
287 printed and distributed as provided in Section 20A-5-405 .
288 [
289 mark or punch the ballot for one or more candidates who are members of different political
290 parties.
291 [
292 ballot into which the voter places the ballot after the voter has voted it in order to preserve the
293 secrecy of the voter's vote.
294 [
295 20A-1-203 .
296 [
297 (a) is spoiled by the voter;
298 (b) is unable to be voted because it was spoiled by the printer or a poll worker; or
299 (c) lacks the official endorsement.
300 [
301 or the Legislature in which all registered voters in Utah may vote.
302 [
303 [
304 officer to the poll workers when the official ballots are lost or stolen.
305 [
306 group of petitioners.
307 [
308 counting center.
309 [
310 by statute, whether that absence occurs because of death, disability, disqualification,
311 resignation, or other cause.
312 [
313 (a) a form of identification that bears the name and photograph of the voter which may
314 include:
315 (i) a currently valid Utah driver license;
316 (ii) a currently valid identification card that is issued by:
317 (A) the state; or
318 (B) a branch, department, or agency of the United States;
319 (iii) a currently valid Utah permit to carry a concealed weapon;
320 (iv) a currently valid United States passport; or
321 (v) a currently valid United States military identification card;
322 (b) one of the following identification cards, whether or not the card includes a
323 photograph of the voter:
324 (i) a valid tribal identification card;
325 (ii) a Bureau of Indian Affairs card; or
326 (iii) a tribal treaty card; or
327 (c) two forms of identification not listed under Subsection [
328 bear the name of the voter and provide evidence that the voter resides in the voting precinct,
329 which may include:
330 (i) a current utility bill or a legible copy thereof, dated within the 90 days before the
331 election;
332 (ii) a bank or other financial account statement, or a legible copy thereof;
333 (iii) a certified birth certificate;
334 (iv) a valid Social Security card;
335 (v) a check issued by the state or the federal government or a legible copy thereof;
336 (vi) a paycheck from the voter's employer, or a legible copy thereof;
337 (vii) a currently valid Utah hunting or fishing license;
338 (viii) certified naturalization documentation;
339 (ix) a currently valid license issued by an authorized agency of the United States;
340 (x) a certified copy of court records showing the voter's adoption or name change;
341 (xi) a valid Medicaid card, Medicare card, or Electronic Benefits Transfer Card;
342 (xii) a currently valid identification card issued by:
343 (A) a local government within the state;
344 (B) an employer for an employee; or
345 (C) a college, university, technical school, or professional school located within the
346 state; or
347 (xiii) a current Utah vehicle registration.
348 [
349 write-in candidate by following the procedures and requirements of this title.
350 [
351 (a) meets the requirements for voting in an election;
352 (b) meets the requirements of election registration;
353 (c) is registered to vote; and
354 (d) is listed in the official register book.
355 [
356 Section 20A-2-102.5 .
357 [
358 machines, and ballot box.
359 [
360 (a) the space or compartment within a polling place that is provided for the preparation
361 of ballots, including the voting machine enclosure or curtain; or
362 (b) a voting device that is free standing.
363 [
364 (a) an apparatus in which ballot sheets are used in connection with a punch device for
365 piercing the ballots by the voter;
366 (b) a device for marking the ballots with ink or another substance;
367 (c) an electronic voting device or other device used to make selections and cast a ballot
368 electronically, or any component thereof;
369 (d) an automated voting system under Section 20A-5-302 ; or
370 (e) any other method for recording votes on ballots so that the ballot may be tabulated
371 by means of automatic tabulating equipment.
372 [
373 recording and tabulating votes cast by voters at an election.
374 [
375 witness the distribution of ballots and the voting process.
376 [
377 law within which qualified voters vote at one polling place.
378 [
379 inspecting poll watcher, and a testing watcher.
380 [
381 Chapter 9, Part 8, Western States Presidential Primary.
382 [
383 [
384 the ballot according to the procedures established in this title.
385 Section 2. Section 20A-1-302 is amended to read:
386 20A-1-302. Opening and closing of polls on election day.
387 (1) Polls at all [
388 and all polling places for an exempt jurisdiction, shall, on the day of the election, open at 7
389 a.m. and [
390 (2) The election judges shall allow every voter who arrives at [
391 day voting center or another polling place by 8 p.m. to vote.
392 Section 3. Section 20A-3-104 is amended to read:
393 20A-3-104. Manner of voting -- Absentee ballot -- Election day voting center.
394 (1) Except for voting that occurs at an election day voting center, all elections shall be
395 conducted by absentee ballot.
396 (2) The election officer shall mail to each registered voter:
397 (a) an absentee ballot;
398 (b) a statement that there will be no polling place for voting on the day of election
399 except the election day voting center to which the voter's voting precinct is assigned;
400 (c) the address of the election day voting center to which the voter's voting precinct is
401 assigned;
402 (d) a business reply mail envelope;
403 (e) instructions for returning the ballot that include an express notice about any
404 relevant deadlines that the voter must meet in order for the voter's vote to be counted; and
405 (f) a warning, on a separate page of colored paper in boldface print, indicating that if
406 the voter fails to follow the instructions included with the absentee ballot, the voter will be
407 unable to vote in that election on election day unless the voter votes at the election day voting
408 center to which the voter's voting precinct is assigned.
409 (3) The election officer shall:
410 (a) (i) before the election, obtain, in person, the signatures of each voter who is eligible
411 to vote in the election; or
412 (ii) obtain the signature of each voter from the county clerk; and
413 (b) maintain the signatures on file in the election officer's office.
414 (4) (a) Upon receiving the returned absentee ballots, the election officer shall compare
415 the signature on each absentee ballot with the voter's signature that is maintained on file and
416 verify that the signatures are the same.
417 (b) If the election officer questions the authenticity of the signature on the absentee
418 ballot, the election officer shall immediately contact the voter to verify the signature.
419 (c) If the election officer determines that the signature on the absentee ballot does not
420 match the voter's signature that is maintained on file, the election officer shall:
421 (i) unless the absentee ballot application deadline described in Section 20A-3-304 has
422 passed, immediately send to the voter another absentee ballot and other voting materials as
423 required by this section; and
424 (ii) disqualify the initial absentee ballot.
425 (5) For voting at an election day voting center or another polling place:
426 [
427 requested, the voter's residence, to one of the poll workers[
428 (b) [
429 (c) [
430 identification, the poll worker shall:
431 (i) indicate on the official register that the voter was not properly identified;
432 (ii) issue the voter a provisional ballot;
433 (iii) notify the voter that the voter will have until the close of normal office hours on
434 Monday after the day of the election to present valid voter identification:
435 (A) to the county clerk at the county clerk's office; or
436 (B) to an election officer who is administering the election; and
437 (iv) follow the procedures and requirements of Section 20A-3-105.5 [
438 (d) [
439 20A-3-202 , the poll worker shall follow the procedures and requirements of Section
440 20A-3-105.5 .
441 [
442 (a) [
443 register to determine whether or not a person is registered to vote[
444 (b) [
445 worker shall follow the procedures and requirements of Section 20A-3-105.5 .
446 [
447 poll worker determines that the voter is registered and:
448 (a) if the ballot is a paper ballot or a ballot sheet:
449 (i) the poll worker in charge of the official register shall:
450 (A) write the ballot number opposite the name of the voter in the official register; and
451 (B) direct the voter to sign the voter's name in the election column in the official
452 register;
453 (ii) another poll worker shall list the ballot number and voter's name in the pollbook;
454 and
455 (iii) the poll worker having charge of the ballots shall:
456 (A) endorse the poll worker's initials on the stub;
457 (B) check the name of the voter on the pollbook list with the number of the stub;
458 (C) hand the voter a ballot; and
459 (D) allow the voter to enter the voting booth; or
460 (b) if the ballot is an electronic ballot:
461 (i) the poll worker in charge of the official register shall direct the voter to sign the
462 voter's name in the official register;
463 (ii) another poll worker shall list the voter's name in the pollbook; and
464 (iii) the poll worker having charge of the ballots shall:
465 (A) provide the voter access to the electronic ballot; and
466 (B) allow the voter to vote the electronic ballot.
467 [
468 official ballot to [
469 poll workers of that [
470 give the registered voter the kind of ballot that the voter is qualified to vote.
471 (9) (a) The provisions of Subsections (1) through (4) do not apply to an election for a
472 county, a municipality, or a local district that is granted an exemption from those provisions by
473 the lieutenant governor.
474 (b) In order to obtain an exemption under Subsection (9)(a), the county, municipality,
475 or local district shall apply for the exemption by submitting an application to the lieutenant
476 governor that:
477 (i) requests the exemption; and
478 (ii) states the grounds for the exemption, as described in Subsection (9)(c).
479 (c) The lieutenant governor may grant an exemption described in this Subsection (9) if
480 the county, municipality, or local district establishes that the exemption will:
481 (i) likely result in better voter turnout;
482 (ii) likely result in a cost savings; or
483 (iii) be beneficial for another compelling reason.
484 Section 4. Section 20A-3-104.5 is amended to read:
485 20A-3-104.5. Voting -- Regular primary election and Western States Presidential
486 Primary.
487 (1) For voting at an election day voting center or another polling place:
488 (a) [
489 Western States Presidential Primary shall give the voter's name, the name of the registered
490 political party whose ballot the voter wishes to vote, and, if requested, the voter's residence, to
491 one of the poll workers[
492 (b) [
493 and
494 (c) (i) [
495 20A-3-105.5 if:
496 (A) the poll worker is not satisfied that the voter presented valid voter identification; or
497 (B) the voter's right to vote is challenged under Section 20A-3-202 [
498 (ii) [
499 20A-3-105.5 because of failure to present valid voter identification that the voter has until the
500 close of normal office hours on Monday after the day of the election to[
501 voter identification to:
502 (A) the county clerk at the county clerk's office; or
503 (B) an election officer who is administering the election.
504 (2) For voting at an election day voting center or another polling place:
505 (a) (i) [
506 register shall check the official register to determine:
507 (A) whether or not the person is registered to vote; and
508 (B) whether or not the voter's party affiliation designation in the official register allows
509 the voter to vote the ballot that the voter requested[
510 (ii) [
511 affiliated with a registered political party or if the official register identifies the voter as being
512 "unaffiliated," the voter shall be considered to be "unaffiliated[
513 (b) (i) [
514 found on the official register, the poll worker shall follow the procedures and requirements of
515 Section 20A-3-105.5 [
516 (ii) (A) [
517 attempt to contact the county clerk's office to request oral verification of the voter's
518 registration[
519 (B) [
520 shall:
521 (I) record the verification on the official register;
522 (II) determine the voter's party affiliation and the ballot that the voter is qualified to
523 vote; and
524 (III) perform the other administrative steps required by Subsection (3)[
525 (c) (i) [
526 affiliation listed in the official register does not allow the voter to vote the ballot that the voter
527 requested, the poll worker shall inform the voter of that fact and inform the voter of the ballot
528 or ballots that the voter's party affiliation does allow the voter to vote[
529 (ii) (A) [
530 register does not affirmatively identify the voter as either "unaffiliated" or affiliated with a
531 registered political party, and the voter, as an "unaffiliated" voter, is not authorized to vote the
532 ballot that the voter requests, the poll worker shall ask the voter if the voter wishes to vote
533 another registered political party ballot that the voter, as "unaffiliated," is authorized to vote, or
534 remain "unaffiliated[
535 (B) [
536 unaffiliated voter is authorized to vote, the poll worker shall proceed as required by Subsection
537 (3)[
538 (C) [
539 ballot that unaffiliated voters are authorized to vote, the poll worker shall instruct the voter that
540 the voter may not vote.
541 (3) [
542 worker determines that the voter is registered and eligible, under Subsection (2), to vote the
543 ballot that the voter requested and:
544 (a) if the ballot is a paper ballot or a ballot sheet:
545 (i) the poll worker in charge of the official register shall:
546 (A) write the ballot number and the name of the registered political party whose ballot
547 the voter voted opposite the name of the voter in the official register; and
548 (B) direct the voter to sign the voter's name in the election column in the official
549 register;
550 (ii) another poll worker shall list the ballot number and voter's name in the pollbook;
551 and
552 (iii) the poll worker having charge of the ballots shall:
553 (A) endorse the voter's initials on the stub;
554 (B) check the name of the voter on the pollbook list with the number of the stub;
555 (C) hand the voter the ballot for the registered political party that the voter requested
556 and for which the voter is authorized to vote; and
557 (D) allow the voter to enter the voting booth; or
558 (b) if the ballot is an electronic ballot:
559 (i) the poll worker in charge of the official register shall direct the voter to sign the
560 voter's name in the official register;
561 (ii) another poll worker shall list the voter's name in the pollbook; and
562 (iii) the poll worker having charge of the ballots shall:
563 (A) provide the voter access to the electronic ballot for the registered political party
564 that the voter requested and for which the voter is authorized to vote; and
565 (B) allow the voter to vote the electronic ballot.
566 (4) Whenever the election officer is required to furnish more than one kind of official
567 ballot to [
568 workers of that [
569 the registered voter the kind of ballot that the voter is qualified to vote.
570 Section 5. Section 20A-3-105 is amended to read:
571 20A-3-105. Marking and depositing ballots.
572 For voting at an election day voting center or another polling place:
573 (1) (a) [
574 voting booth and prepare the voter's ballot by marking the appropriate position with a mark
575 opposite the name of each candidate of the voter's choice for each office to be filled[
576 (b) [
577 (c) [
578 in the appropriate square with a mark opposite the answer the voter intends to make[
579 (d) [
580 (i) fold the ballot so that its contents are concealed and the stub can be removed; and
581 (ii) if the ballot is a provisional ballot, place the ballot in the provisional ballot
582 envelope and complete the information printed on the envelope[
583 (2) (a) (i) [
584 the voting device and mark the ballot sheet according to the instructions provided on the
585 device[
586 (ii) [
587 the voter shall record any write-in votes on the long stub[
588 (iii) [
589 record any write-in votes on the secrecy envelope[
590 (b) [
591 (i) place the ballot sheet inside the secrecy envelope, if one is provided; or
592 (ii) fold the long stub over the face of the ballot sheet to maintain the secrecy of the
593 vote if the voter is issued a ballot sheet with a long stub without a secrecy envelope[
594 (c) [
595 provisional ballot envelope and complete the information printed on the envelope[
596 (3) (a) [
597 ballot sheet according to the instructions provided on the voting device or ballot sheet[
598 (b) [
599 (i) marking the position opposite the area for entering a write-in candidate; and
600 (ii) entering the name of the valid write-in candidate for whom the voter wishes to vote
601 for by means of:
602 (A) writing;
603 (B) a label; or
604 (C) entering the name using the voting device[
605 (c) [
606 provisional ballot envelope and complete the information printed on the envelope[
607 (4) (a) [
608 (i) insert the ballot access card into the voting device; and
609 (ii) make the selections according to the instructions provided on the device[
610 (b) [
611 (i) marking the appropriate position opposite the area for entering a write-in candidate;
612 and
613 (ii) using the voting device to enter the name of the valid write-in candidate for whom
614 the voter wishes to vote[
615 (5) [
616 (a) if a paper ballot or punch card ballot is used:
617 (i) the voter shall:
618 (A) leave the voting booth; and
619 (B) announce [
620 (ii) the poll worker in charge of the ballot box shall:
621 (A) clearly and audibly announce the name of the voter and the number on the stub of
622 the voter's ballot;
623 (B) if the stub number on the ballot corresponds with the number previously recorded
624 in the official register, and bears the initials of the poll worker, remove the stub from the ballot;
625 and
626 (C) return the ballot to the voter;
627 (iii) the voter shall, in full view of the poll workers, cast [
628 depositing the ballot in the ballot box; and
629 (iv) if the stub has been detached from the ballot:
630 (A) the poll worker may not accept the ballot; and
631 (B) the poll worker shall:
632 (I) treat the ballot as a spoiled ballot;
633 (II) provide the voter with a new ballot; and
634 (III) dispose of the spoiled ballot as provided in Section 20A-3-107 ;
635 (b) if a ballot sheet other than a punch card is used:
636 (i) the voter shall:
637 (A) leave the voting booth; and
638 (B) announce [
639 (ii) the poll worker in charge of the ballot box shall:
640 (A) clearly and audibly announce the name of the voter and the number on the stub of
641 the voter's ballot; and
642 (B) if the stub number on the ballot corresponds with the number previously recorded
643 in the official register, and bears the initials of the poll worker, return the ballot to the voter;
644 and
645 (iii) the voter shall, in full view of the poll workers, cast [
646 depositing the ballot in the ballot box; and
647 (c) if an electronic ballot is used, the voter shall:
648 (i) cast the voter's ballot;
649 (ii) remove the ballot access card from the voting device; and
650 (iii) return the ballot access card to a designated poll worker[
651 (6) [
652 the ballot:
653 (a) (i) if the ballot is designed so that the names of all candidates for all political parties
654 are on the same ballot, detach the part of the paper ballot containing the names of the
655 candidates of the party he has voted from the remainder of the paper ballot;
656 (ii) fold that portion of the paper ballot so that its face is concealed; and
657 (iii) deposit it in the ballot box; and
658 (b) (i) fold the remainder of the paper ballot, containing the names of the candidates of
659 the parties that the elector did not vote; and
660 (ii) deposit it in a separate ballot box that is marked and designated as a blank ballot
661 box[
662 (7) (a) [
663 shall leave the voting area after voting[
664 (b) [
665 (i) occupy a voting booth occupied by another, except as provided in Section
666 20A-3-108 ;
667 (ii) remain within the voting area more than 10 minutes; or
668 (iii) occupy a voting booth for more than five minutes if all booths are in use and other
669 voters are waiting to occupy them[
670 (8) [
671 reenter the voting area during that election unless that voter is an election official or watcher[
672 and
673 (9) [
674 of voting booths into the voting area at one time unless those excess voters are:
675 (a) election officials;
676 (b) watchers; or
677 (c) assisting voters with a disability.
678 Section 6. Section 20A-3-105.5 is amended to read:
679 20A-3-105.5. Manner of voting -- Provisional ballot.
680 For voting at an election day voting center or another polling place:
681 (1) [
682 when:
683 (a) the person's right to vote is challenged as provided in Section 20A-3-202 or
684 20A-3-202.5 ;
685 (b) the person's name is not found on the official register; or
686 (c) the poll worker is not satisfied that the voter has provided valid voter
687 identification[
688 (2) [
689 (b), the poll worker shall:
690 (a) request that the person provide valid voter identification; and
691 (b) review the identification provided by the person[
692 (3) [
693 identification that establishes the person's identity and residence in the voting precinct or
694 within the county:
695 (a) the poll worker in charge of the official register shall:
696 (i) record in the official register the type of identification that established the person's
697 identity and place of residence;
698 (ii) write the provisional ballot envelope number opposite the name of the voter in the
699 official register; and
700 (iii) direct the voter to sign [
701 register;
702 (b) another poll worker shall list the ballot number and voter's name in the pollbook;
703 and
704 (c) the poll worker having charge of the ballots shall:
705 (i) endorse [
706 (ii) check the name of the voter on the pollbook list with the number of the stub;
707 (iii) give the voter a ballot and a provisional ballot envelope; and
708 (iv) allow the voter to enter the voting booth[
709 (4) [
710 identification that establishes the person's identity and residence in the voting precinct or
711 within the county:
712 (a) the poll worker in charge of the official register shall:
713 (i) record in the official register that the voter did not provide valid voter identification;
714 (ii) record in the official register the type of identification that was provided by the
715 voter, if any;
716 (iii) write the provisional ballot envelope number opposite the name of the voter in the
717 official register; and
718 (iv) direct the voter to sign his name in the election column in the official register;
719 (b) another poll worker shall list the ballot number and voter's name in the pollbook;
720 and
721 (c) the poll worker having charge of the ballots shall:
722 (i) endorse [
723 (ii) check the name of the voter on the pollbook list with the number of the stub;
724 (iii) give the voter a ballot and a provisional ballot envelope; and
725 (iv) allow the voter to enter the voting booth[
726 (5) [
727 of official ballot to [
728 the poll workers of that [
729 shall give the registered voter the kind of ballot that the voter is qualified to vote.
730 Section 7. Section 20A-3-106 is amended to read:
731 20A-3-106. Voting straight ticket -- Splitting ballot -- Writing in names -- Effect
732 of unnecessary marking of cross.
733 For voting at an election day voting center or another polling place:
734 (1) [
735 from any one registered political party may:
736 (a) mark in the circle or position above that political party;
737 (b) mark in the squares or position opposite the names of all candidates for that party
738 ticket; or
739 (c) make both markings[
740 (2) (a) [
741 candidates from any one registered political party may:
742 (i) mark the selected party on the straight party page or section; or
743 (ii) mark the name of each candidate from that party[
744 (b) [
745 (i) mark in the squares or positions opposite the names of the candidates for whom the
746 voter wishes to vote without marking in any circle; or
747 (ii) indicate [
748 political party and marking in the squares or positions opposite the names of desired
749 candidates[
750 (3) (a) [
751 candidates from any one registered political party may:
752 (i) select that party on the straight party selection area; or
753 (ii) select the name of each candidate from that party[
754 (b) [
755 (i) select the names of the candidates for whom the voter wishes to vote without
756 selecting a political party in the straight party selection area; or
757 (ii) select a political party in the straight party selection area and select the names of the
758 candidates for whom the voter wishes to vote[
759 (4) [
760 selected or placed a mark next to a party name in order to vote a straight party ticket and wishes
761 to vote for a person on another party ticket for an office, the voter shall select or mark the ballot
762 next to the name of the candidate for whom the voter wishes to vote[
763 (5) (a) [
764 (i) by entering the name of a valid write-in candidate:
765 (A) by writing the name of a valid write-in candidate in the blank write-in section of
766 the ballot; or
767 (B) by affixing a sticker with the office and name of the valid write-in name printed on
768 it in the blank write-in part of the ballot; and
769 (ii) by placing a mark opposite the name of the write-in candidate to indicate the voter's
770 vote[
771 (b) [
772 person whose name is written or whose sticker appears in the blank write-in part of the ballot,
773 if a mark is made opposite that name[
774 (c) [
775 square on the ticket below the marked circle does not affect the validity of the vote[
776 (6) [
777 (a) marking the appropriate position opposite the area for entering a write-in candidate
778 for the office sought by the candidate for whom the voter wishes to vote; and
779 (b) entering the name of a valid write-in candidate in the write-in selection area.
780 Section 8. Section 20A-3-107 is amended to read:
781 20A-3-107. No ballots may be taken away -- Spoiled ballots.
782 For voting at an election day voting center or another polling place:
783 (1) [
784 close of the polls[
785 (2) [
786 a time, not exceeding three in all, upon returning each spoiled one[
787 (3) [
788 the voter a new ballot[
789 (4) [
790 (a) immediately write the word "spoiled" across the face of the ballot; and
791 (b) place the ballot in the envelope for spoiled ballots.
792 Section 9. Section 20A-3-108 is amended to read:
793 20A-3-108. Assisting disabled, illiterate, or blind voters.
794 For voting at an election day voting center or another polling place:
795 (1) [
796 write, including unable to read or write the English language, or who is physically unable to
797 enter a polling place[
798 (2) [
799 (a) the voter's employer;
800 (b) an agent of the employer;
801 (c) an officer or agent of the voter's union; or
802 (d) a candidate[
803 (3) [
804 induce the voter to vote for or vote against any particular candidate or issue or release any
805 information regarding the voter's selection[
806 (4) [
807 official register and the pollbook.
808 Section 10. Section 20A-3-109 is amended to read:
809 20A-3-109. Instructions to voters.
810 For voting at an election day voting center or another polling place:
811 (1) [
812 concerning the manner of voting, two poll workers, each from a different political party, shall
813 instruct the voter[
814 (2) [
815 vote, the poll worker shall leave the voting booth so that the voter may vote in secret[
816 (3) [
817 suggest, or seek to persuade or induce the voter to vote for or against any particular ticket, any
818 particular candidate, or for or against any ballot proposition.
819 Section 11. Section 20A-3-201 is amended to read:
820 20A-3-201. Watchers.
821 (1) (a) (i) For each regular general election or statewide special election, and for each
822 regular primary and Western States Presidential Primary, each registered political party and any
823 person interested in a ballot proposition appearing on the ballot may appoint one person to act
824 as a voting poll watcher to observe the casting of ballots at an election day voting center or
825 another polling place, another person to act as a counting poll watcher to observe the counting
826 of ballots, and another person to act as an inspecting poll watcher to inspect the condition and
827 observe the securing of ballot packages.
828 (ii) Each party poll watcher shall be designated, and [
829 made known to the poll workers, by an affidavit made by the county chair of each of the
830 parties.
831 (iii) Each issue poll watcher shall be designated, and [
832 made known to the poll workers, by an affidavit made by the individual appointing [
833 poll watcher.
834 (b) (i) For each municipal general election, municipal primary, local special election, or
835 bond election that uses paper ballots, each candidate and any person interested in an issue
836 appearing on the ballot may appoint one person to act as a voting poll watcher at an election
837 day voting center or another polling place to observe the casting of ballots, another person to
838 act as a counting poll watcher to observe the counting of ballots, and another person to act as
839 an inspecting poll watcher to inspect the condition and observe the securing of ballot packages.
840 (ii) For each municipal general election, municipal primary, local special election, or
841 bond election that uses ballot sheets, each candidate and any person interested in an issue
842 appearing on the ballot may appoint one person to act as a voting poll watcher at an election
843 day voting center or another polling place to observe the casting of ballots, another person to
844 act as a counting poll watcher to observe the counting of ballots, and another person to act as
845 an inspecting poll watcher to inspect the condition and observe the securing of ballot packages.
846 (iii) Each candidate poll watcher shall be designated, and [
847 selection made known to the poll workers, by an affidavit made by the candidate appointing
848 [
849 (iv) Each issue poll watcher shall be designated, and [
850 made known to the poll workers, by an affidavit made by the individual appointing [
851 poll watcher.
852 (2) If an appointed poll watcher is temporarily absent for meals, or is sick or otherwise
853 absent, that poll watcher may substitute some other watcher of similar political beliefs by
854 informing the poll workers of the substitution by affidavit.
855 (3) Voting poll watchers may watch and observe the voting process, and may make a
856 written memorandum, but they may not interfere in any way with the process of voting except
857 to challenge a voter as provided in this part.
858 (4) The counting poll watcher shall remain in the counting room, except in the case of
859 necessity, until the close of the polls and may not divulge the progress of the count until the
860 count is completed.
861 (5) (a) It is unlawful for a counting poll watcher to communicate in any manner,
862 directly or indirectly, by word or sign, the progress of the count, the result so far, or any other
863 information about the count.
864 (b) Any person who violates this subsection is guilty of a third degree felony.
865 (6) The inspecting poll watcher may be present in the office of the clerk or recorder to
866 whom ballots are delivered after elections to:
867 (a) inspect the condition of the packages containing the ballots upon their arrival; and
868 (b) observe the placement of these packages in a safe and secure place.
869 (7) (a) Prior to each election in which a ballot sheet or electronic ballot is used, any
870 interested person may act as a testing watcher to observe a demonstration of logic and accuracy
871 testing of the voting devices prior to the commencement of voting.
872 (b) The election officer shall give prior notice of the logic and accuracy testing
873 demonstration at least two days prior to the date of the demonstration by publishing notice of
874 the date, time, and location of the demonstration:
875 (i) in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the jurisdiction holding the
876 election; and
877 (ii) as required in Section 45-1-101 .
878 (c) An election official shall provide, upon request, a copy of testing results to a testing
879 watcher.
880 Section 12. Section 20A-3-202.3 is amended to read:
881 20A-3-202.3. Pre-election challenges to a voter's eligibility in writing -- Procedure
882 -- Form of challenge.
883 (1) (a) A person may challenge the right to vote of a person whose name appears on the
884 official register by filing with the election officer, during regular business hours and not later
885 than [
886 statement that:
887 (i) lists the name and address of the person filing the challenge;
888 (ii) for each voter who is challenged:
889 (A) identifies the name of the challenged voter;
890 (B) lists the last known address or telephone number of the challenged voter;
891 (C) provides the basis for the challenge, as provided under Section 20A-3-202 ; and
892 (D) provides facts and circumstances supporting the basis provided; and
893 (iii) includes a signed affidavit, which is subject to penalties of perjury, swearing that:
894 (A) the filer exercised due diligence to personally verify the facts and circumstances
895 establishing the basis for the challenge; and
896 (B) according to the filer's personal knowledge and belief, the basis for the challenge
897 under Section 20A-3-202 for each challenged voter is valid.
898 (b) The challenge may not be based on unsupported allegations or allegations by an
899 anonymous person.
900 (c) The election officer may provide a form that meets the requirements of this section
901 for challenges filed under this section.
902 (2) (a) If the challenge is not in the proper form or if the basis for the challenge does
903 not meet the requirements of this part, the election officer may dismiss the challenge and notify
904 the filer in writing of the reasons for the dismissal.
905 (b) A challenge is not in the proper form if the challenge form is incomplete.
906 (3) Upon receipt of a challenge that meets the requirements for filing under this
907 section, the election officer shall, at least [
908
909 (a) that a challenge has been filed against the challenged voter and the challenged voter
910 may be required to cast a provisional ballot at the time of voting;
911 (b) of the basis for the challenge, which may include providing a copy of the written
912 statement to the challenged voter; and
913 (c) that the challenged voter may submit information, a sworn statement, or other
914 evidence supporting the challenged voter's right to vote in the election to the election officer no
915 later than [
916 (4) (a) Before [
917 officer shall determine whether each challenged voter is eligible to vote.
918 (b) (i) The filer of the challenge has the burden to prove, by clear and convincing
919 evidence, that the basis for challenging the voter's right to vote is valid.
920 (ii) The election officer shall resolve the challenge based on the available facts and
921 information submitted, which may include voter registration records and other documents or
922 information available to the election officer.
923 (5) A person who files a challenge under the requirements of this section is subject to
924 criminal penalties for false statements as provided under Sections 76-8-503 and 76-8-504 and
925 any other applicable criminal provision.
926 (6) A decision of the election officer regarding a person's eligibility to vote may be
927 appealed to the district court having jurisdiction over the location where the challenge was
928 filed.
929 (7) A challenged voter may register to vote or change the location of the voter's voter
930 registration if otherwise legally entitled to do so.
931 (8) All documents pertaining to a voter challenge are public records.
932 Section 13. Section 20A-3-202.5 is amended to read:
933 20A-3-202.5. Challenges to a voter's eligibility at time of voting -- Procedure.
934 For voting at an election day voting center or another polling place:
935 (1) (a) [
936 the election day voting center, or for another polling place, a poll worker or a person who lives
937 in the voting precinct, may challenge a voter's right to vote [
938 election day voting center or polling place, or in that election if:
939 (i) the person making the challenge and the challenged voter are both present at the
940 polling place at the time the challenge is made; and
941 (ii) the challenge is made when the challenged voter applies for a ballot[
942 (b) [
943 and the basis for the challenge, as provided under Section 20A-3-202 [
944 (2) [
945 challenge sheets in the pollbook, including:
946 (a) the name of the challenged voter;
947 (b) the name of the person making the challenge; and
948 (c) the basis asserted for the challenge[
949 (3) [
950 follow the procedures and requirements of Section 20A-3-105.5 .
951 Section 14. Section 20A-3-301 is amended to read:
952 20A-3-301. Voting in person.
953 [
954 [
955 person if the voter voted by absentee ballot.
956 Section 15. Section 20A-3-304 is amended to read:
957 20A-3-304. Application for absentee ballot -- Time for filing and voting.
958 (1) A registered voter who is not temporarily absent from the voter's voting precinct is
959 not required to file an application in order to receive an absentee ballot.
960 [
961 precinct and who wishes to vote an absentee ballot may [
962 application:
963 [
964 20A-2-206 ; or
965 [
966 in this section; or
967 (ii) for an exempt jurisdiction, vote in person at the office of the appropriate election
968 officer as provided in Section 20A-3-306 .
969 (b) A person that collects a completed absentee ballot application from a registered
970 voter shall file the completed absentee ballot application with the appropriate election official
971 before the earlier of:
972 (i) 14 days after the day on which the registered voter signed the absentee ballot form;
973 or
974 (ii) the Thursday before the next election.
975 [
976 voter:
977 (a) except as provided in Subsection [
978 officer shall approve an application form for absentee ballot applications in substantially the
979 following form:
980 "I, ____, a qualified elector, residing at ____ Street, ____ City, ____ County, Utah
981 apply for an official absentee ballot to be voted by me at the election.
982 Date ________ (month\day\year) Signed ___________________________
983 Voter"; and
984 (b) the lieutenant governor or election officer shall approve an application form for
985 regular primary elections and for the Western States Presidential Primary in substantially the
986 following form:
987 "I, ____, a qualified elector, residing at ____ Street, ____ City, ____ County, Utah
988 apply for an official absentee ballot for the _______________ political party to be voted by me
989 at the primary election.
990 I understand that I must be affiliated with or authorized to vote the political party's
991 ballot that I request.
992 Dated _________ (month\day\year) ____ Signed ___________________________
993 Voter"
994 (c) If requested by the applicant, the election officer shall:
995 (i) mail or fax the application form to the absentee voter; or
996 (ii) deliver the application form to any voter who personally applies for it at the office
997 of the election officer.
998 [
999 and signed by, a voter:
1000 (a) except as provided in Subsection [
1001 officer shall approve an application form for absentee ballot applications in substantially the
1002 following form:
1003 "I, ____, a qualified elector, residing at ____ Street, ____ City, ____ County, Utah
1004 apply for an official absentee ballot to be voted by me at the election.
1005 I understand that a person that collects this absentee ballot application is required to file
1006 it with the appropriate election official before the earlier of fourteen days after the day on
1007 which I sign the application or the Thursday before the next election.
1008 This form is provided by (insert name of person or organization).
1009 I have verified that the information on this application is correct.
1010 I understand that I will receive a ballot at the following address: (insert address and an
1011 adjacent check box);
1012 OR
1013 I request that the ballot be mailed to the following address: (insert blank space for an
1014 address and an adjacent check box).
1015 Date ________ (month\day\year) Signed ___________________________
1016 Voter"; and
1017 (b) the lieutenant governor or election officer shall approve an application form for
1018 regular primary elections and for the Western States Presidential Primary in substantially the
1019 following form:
1020 "I, ____, a qualified elector, residing at ____ Street, ____ City, ____ County, Utah
1021 apply for an official absentee ballot for the _______________ political party to be voted by me
1022 at the primary election.
1023 I understand that I must be affiliated with or authorized to vote the political party's
1024 ballot that I request. I understand that a person that collects this absentee ballot application is
1025 required to file it with the appropriate election official before the earlier of fourteen days after
1026 the day on which I sign the application or the Thursday before the next primary election.
1027 This form is provided by (insert name of person or organization).
1028 I have verified that the information on this application is correct.
1029 I understand that I will receive a ballot at the following address: (insert address and an
1030 adjacent check box);
1031 OR
1032 I request that the ballot be mailed to the following address: (insert blank space for an
1033 address and an adjacent check box).
1034 Dated _________ (month\day\year) ____ Signed ___________________________
1035 Voter"
1036 [
1037 instructions on how a voter may cancel an absentee ballot application.
1038 [
1039
1040
1041 Thursday before election day.
1042 [
1043 (b) The clerk shall place on the list the name of any person who:
1044 (i) requests permanent absentee voter status under this section; and
1045 (ii) meets the requirements of this section.
1046 (c) (i) Each year, the clerk shall mail a questionnaire to each person whose name is on
1047 the absentee voter list.
1048 (ii) The questionnaire shall allow the absentee person to verify the voter's residence.
1049 (iii) The clerk may remove the names of any voter from the absentee voter registration
1050 list if:
1051 (A) the voter is no longer listed in the official register; or
1052 (B) the voter fails to verify the voter's residence and absentee status.
1053 (d) The clerk shall provide a copy of the permanent absentee voter list to election
1054 officers for use in elections.
1055 Section 16. Section 20A-3-304.1 is amended to read:
1056 20A-3-304.1. Election officer to provide voting history information and status.
1057 (1) As used in this section:
1058 (a) "Qualified absentee ballot application" means an absentee ballot application filed
1059 under Section 20A-3-304 from a voter who the election officer determines is eligible to receive
1060 an absentee ballot.
1061 (b) "Voting history record" means the information about the existence and status of
1062 absentee ballot requests required by this section.
1063 (2) (a) Each election officer shall maintain, in the election officer's office, a voting
1064 history record of those voters [
1065 (i) absentee ballot; and
1066 (ii) for an exempt jurisdiction, early voting.
1067 (b) The voting history record is a public record under Title 63G, Chapter 2,
1068 Government Records Access and Management Act.
1069 (3) The election officer shall ensure that the voting history record for each voting
1070 precinct contains:
1071 (a) for absentee voting:
1072 (i) the name and address of each person who has filed a qualified absentee ballot
1073 application;
1074 (ii) the date that the application was received; and
1075 (iii) the current status of each qualified absentee ballot application including
1076 specifically:
1077 (A) the date that the absentee ballot was mailed to the voter; and
1078 (B) the date that the voted absentee ballot was received by the election officer; [
1079 (b) for early voting in an exempt jurisdiction:
1080 (i) the name and address of each person who has voted during the early voting period;
1081 and
1082 (ii) the date the person's vote was cast[
1083 (d) for each absentee ballot that the election officer mails without first receiving a
1084 qualified absentee application:
1085 (i) the name and address of the individual to whom the absentee ballot is sent; and
1086 (ii) the date that the voted absentee ballot was received by the election officer.
1087 (4) (a) Notwithstanding the time limits for response to a request for records under
1088 Section 63G-2-204 or the time limits for a request for records established in any ordinance, the
1089 election officer shall ensure that the information required by this section is recorded and made
1090 available to the public no later than one business day after its receipt in the election officer's
1091 office.
1092 (b) Notwithstanding the fee requirements of Section 63G-2-203 or the fee requirements
1093 established in any ordinance, the election officer shall make copies of the voting history record
1094 available to the public for the actual cost of production or copying.
1095 Section 17. Section 20A-3-305 is amended to read:
1096 20A-3-305. Mailing of ballot to voter -- Enclose self-addressed envelope --
1097 Affidavit.
1098 (1) (a) Upon timely receipt of an absentee voter application properly filled out and
1099 signed less than 30 days before the election, the election officer shall either:
1100 (i) give the applicant an official absentee ballot and envelope to vote in the office; or
1101 (ii) mail an official absentee ballot, postage paid, to the absentee voter and enclose an
1102 envelope printed as required in Subsection (2).
1103 (b) Twenty-eight days before election day, the election officer shall mail an official
1104 absentee ballot, postage paid, to all:
1105 (i) voters whose residence is not in an exempt jurisdiction; and
1106 (ii) absentee voters, other than to a uniformed-service voter or an overseas voter, who
1107 have submitted a properly filled out and signed absentee voter application before the day on
1108 which the ballots are mailed, and enclose an envelope printed as required by Subsection (2).
1109 (2) The election officer shall ensure that:
1110 (a) the name, official title, and post office address of the election officer is printed on
1111 the front of the envelope; and
1112 (b) a printed affidavit in substantially the following form is printed on the back of the
1113 envelope:
1114 "County of ____ State of ____
1115 I, ____, solemnly swear that: I am a qualified resident voter of the ____ voting precinct
1116 in ____ County, Utah and that I am entitled to vote in that voting precinct at the next election.
1117 I am not a convicted felon currently incarcerated for commission of a felony.
1118
______________________________
1119
Signature of Absentee Voter"
1120 (3) If the election officer determines that the absentee voter is required to show valid
1121 voter identification, the election officer shall:
1122 (a) issue the voter a provisional ballot in accordance with Section 20A-3-105.5 ;
1123 (b) instruct the voter to include a copy of the voter's valid voter identification with the
1124 return ballot;
1125 (c) provide the voter clear instructions on how to vote a provisional ballot; and
1126 (d) comply with the requirements of Subsection (2).
1127 Section 18. Section 20A-3-306 is amended to read:
1128 20A-3-306. Voting ballot -- Returning ballot.
1129 (1) (a) Except as provided by Section 20A-1-308 , to vote a mail-in absentee ballot, the
1130 [
1131 (i) complete and sign the affidavit on the envelope;
1132 (ii) mark the votes on the absentee ballot;
1133 (iii) place the voted absentee ballot in the envelope;
1134 (iv) securely seal the envelope; and
1135 (v) attach postage[
1136 the envelope in the mail or deliver it in person to the election officer from whom the ballot was
1137 obtained.
1138 (b) Except as provided by Section 20A-1-308 , to vote an absentee ballot in person at
1139 the office of the election officer, the absent voter shall:
1140 (i) complete and sign the affidavit on the envelope;
1141 (ii) mark the votes on the absent-voter ballot;
1142 (iii) place the voted absent-voter ballot in the envelope;
1143 (iv) securely seal the envelope; and
1144 (v) give the ballot and envelope to the election officer.
1145 (2) Except as provided by Section 20A-1-308 , an absentee ballot is not valid unless:
1146 (a) in the case of an absentee ballot that is voted in person, the ballot is:
1147 (i) applied for and cast in person at the office of the appropriate election officer no later
1148 than the Thursday before election day; or
1149 (ii) submitted on election day at a polling location [
1150 center, for the political subdivision where the absentee voter resides;
1151 (b) in the case of an absentee ballot that is submitted by mail, the ballot is:
1152 (i) clearly postmarked before election day; and
1153 (ii) received in the office of the election officer before noon on the day of the official
1154 canvass following the election; or
1155 (c) in the case of a military-overseas ballot, the ballot is submitted in accordance with
1156 Section 20A-16-404 .
1157 (3) [
1158 [
1159 [
1160 (4) [
1161 location, or an election day voting center, for the voting precinct where the voter resides,
1162 request that the ballot be declared spoiled, and vote in person.
1163 Section 19. Section 20A-3-306.5 is amended to read:
1164 20A-3-306.5. Emergency absentee ballots.
1165 (1) As used in this section, "hospitalized voter" means a registered voter who is
1166 hospitalized or otherwise confined to a medical or long-term care institution [
1167
1168 (2) Notwithstanding any other provision of this part, a hospitalized voter may obtain an
1169 absentee ballot and vote on election day by following the procedures and requirements of this
1170 section.
1171 (3) (a) Any person may obtain an absentee ballot application, an absentee ballot, and an
1172 absentee ballot envelope from the election officer on behalf of a hospitalized voter by
1173 requesting a ballot and application in person at the election officer's office.
1174 (b) The election officer shall require the person to sign a statement identifying himself
1175 or herself and the hospitalized voter.
1176 (4) To vote, the hospitalized voter shall complete the absentee ballot application,
1177 complete and sign the application on the absentee ballot envelope, mark [
1178 voter's votes on the absentee ballot, place the absentee ballot into the envelope, and seal the
1179 envelope unless a different method is authorized under Section 20A-1-308 .
1180 (5) To be counted, the absentee voter application and the sealed absentee ballot
1181 envelope must be returned to the election officer's office [
1182
1183 official canvass following the election.
1184 Section 20. Section 20A-3-307 is amended to read:
1185 20A-3-307. Receipt and processing of absentee ballot.
1186 (1) Except as provided in Subsection (2), upon receipt of an envelope containing an
1187 absentee ballot, the election officer shall:
1188 (a) enclose the unopened envelope containing the absentee ballot and the written
1189 application of the absentee voter in a larger envelope;
1190 (b) seal that envelope and endorse it with:
1191 (i) the name or number of the proper voting precinct;
1192 (ii) the name and official title of the election officer; and
1193 (iii) the words "This envelope contains an absentee ballot and may only be opened on
1194 election day at [
1195 polls while the polls are open."; and
1196 (c) safely keep the envelope locked in a secure place in the election officer's office until
1197 [
1198 (2) If the election officer receives envelopes containing absentee ballots too late to
1199 transmit them to the election judges on election day, the election officer shall retain those
1200 absentee ballots in a safe and secure place until they can be processed as provided in Section
1201 20A-3-309 .
1202 (3) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (3)(c), when reasonably possible, the election
1203 officer shall deliver or mail valid absentee ballots to the appropriate [
1204 day voting center's or other polling place's election judges so that [
1205 processed [
1206 (b) If the election officer is unable to determine the voting precinct or election day
1207 voting center to which an absentee ballot should be sent, or if a valid absentee ballot is received
1208 too late for delivery on election day to election judges, the election officer shall retain the
1209 absentee ballot in a safe place until it can be processed as required by Section 20A-3-309 .
1210 (c) When the absentee ballots will be centrally counted, the election officer shall
1211 deliver those absentee ballots to the counting center on election day for counting.
1212 Section 21. Section 20A-3-308 is amended to read:
1213 20A-3-308. Absentee ballots in the custody of poll workers -- Disposition --
1214 Notice.
1215 (1) (a) [
1216 shall open envelopes containing absentee ballots that are in their custody on election day at the
1217 polling places or election day voting centers during the time the polls are open as provided in
1218 this Subsection (1).
1219 (b) The poll workers shall:
1220 (i) first, open the outer envelope only; and
1221 (ii) compare the signature of the voter on the application with the signature on the
1222 affidavit.
1223 (2) (a) The poll workers shall carefully open and remove the absentee voter envelope
1224 so as not to destroy the affidavit on the envelope if they find that:
1225 (i) the affidavit is sufficient;
1226 (ii) the signatures correspond; and
1227 (iii) the applicant is registered to vote in that voting precinct, or a voting precinct
1228 assigned to that election day voting center, and has not voted in that election.
1229 (b) If, after opening the absentee voter envelope, the poll worker finds that a
1230 provisional ballot envelope is enclosed, the poll worker shall:
1231 (i) record, in the official register, whether:
1232 (A) the voter included valid voter identification; or
1233 (B) a covered voter, as defined in Section 20A-16-102 , did not provide valid voter
1234 identification as permitted by Public Law 107-252, the Help America Vote Act of 2002;
1235 (ii) if any type of identification was included, record the type of identification provided
1236 by the voter in the appropriate space in the official register;
1237 (iii) record the provisional ballot number on the official register; and
1238 (iv) place the provisional ballot envelope with the other provisional ballot envelopes to
1239 be transmitted to the county clerk.
1240 (c) If the absentee ballot is not a provisional ballot, the poll workers shall:
1241 (i) remove the absentee ballot from the envelope without unfolding it or permitting it to
1242 be opened or examined;
1243 (ii) initial the stub in the same manner as for other ballots;
1244 (iii) remove the stub from the ballot;
1245 (iv) deposit the ballot in the ballot box; and
1246 (v) mark the official register and pollbook to show that the voter has voted.
1247 (3) If the poll workers determine that the affidavit is insufficient, or that the signatures
1248 do not correspond, or that the applicant is not a registered voter in the voting precinct, they
1249 shall:
1250 (a) disallow the vote; and
1251 (b) without opening the absentee voter envelope, mark across the face of the envelope:
1252 (i) "Rejected as defective"; or
1253 (ii) "Rejected as not a registered voter."
1254 (4) The poll workers shall deposit the absentee voter envelope, when the absentee
1255 ballot is voted, and the absentee voter envelope with its contents unopened when the absent
1256 vote is rejected, in the ballot box containing the ballots.
1257 (5) (a) An election officer shall notify a voter if a poll worker rejects the voter's ballot
1258 and specify the reason for the rejection.
1259 (b) An election officer shall give the notice described in Subsection (5)(a) to a voter no
1260 later than seven days after:
1261 (i) election day if the election officer receives the ballot before or on election day; and
1262 (ii) the canvass if the election officer receives the ballot after election day and before
1263 the end of the canvass.
1264 (6) The election officer shall retain and preserve the absentee voter envelopes in the
1265 manner provided by law for the retention and preservation of official ballots voted at that
1266 election.
1267 Section 22. Section 20A-3-601 is amended to read:
1268 20A-3-601. Early voting.
1269 (1) A person who resides in an exempt jurisdiction and is registered to vote may vote
1270 before the election date in accordance with this section.
1271 (2) Except as provided in Section 20A-1-308 , the early voting period shall:
1272 (a) begin on the date that is 14 days before the date of the election; and
1273 (b) continue through the Friday before the election if the election date is a Tuesday.
1274 (3) Except as provided in Section 20A-1-308 , during the early voting period, the
1275 election officer:
1276 (a) for a local special election, a municipal primary election, and a municipal general
1277 election:
1278 (i) shall conduct early voting on a minimum of four days during each week of the early
1279 voting period; and
1280 (ii) shall conduct early voting on the last day of the early voting period; and
1281 (b) for all other elections:
1282 (i) shall conduct early voting on each weekday; and
1283 (ii) may elect to conduct early voting on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday.
1284 (4) Except as specifically provided in this Part 6, Early Voting, or Section 20A-1-308 ,
1285 early voting shall be administered according to the requirements of this title.
1286 Section 23. Section 20A-3-602 is amended to read:
1287 20A-3-602. Hours for early voting.
1288 For an exempt jurisdiction:
1289 (1) except as provided in Section 20A-1-308 , the election officer shall determine the
1290 times for opening and closing the polls for each day of early voting provided that:
1291 (a) voting is open for a minimum of four hours during each day that polls are open
1292 during the early voting period; and
1293 (b) polls shall close at 5 p.m. on the last day of the early voting period[
1294 (2) except as provided in Section 20A-1-308 , each registered voter who arrives at the
1295 polls before the time scheduled for closing of the polls shall be allowed to vote.
1296 Section 24. Section 20A-3-603 is amended to read:
1297 20A-3-603. Early voting polling places.
1298 (1) Except as provided in Section 20A-1-308 , for an exempt jurisdiction, the election
1299 officer shall designate one or more polling places for early voting, provided that:
1300 (a) at least one polling place is open on each day that polls are open during the early
1301 voting period;
1302 (b) each polling place meets the requirements for polling places under Chapter 5,
1303 Election Administration;
1304 (c) for all elections other than local special elections, municipal primary elections, and
1305 municipal general elections, at least 10% of the voting devices at a polling place are accessible
1306 for individuals with disabilities in accordance with Public Law 107-252, the Help America
1307 Vote Act of 2002; and
1308 (d) each polling place is located in a government building or office, unless the election
1309 officer determines that, in the area designated by the election officer, there is no government
1310 building or office available that:
1311 (i) can be scheduled for use during early voting hours;
1312 (ii) has the physical facilities necessary to accommodate early voting requirements;
1313 (iii) has adequate space for voting equipment, poll workers, and voters; and
1314 (iv) has adequate security, public accessibility, and parking.
1315 (2) (a) Except as provided in Section 20A-1-308 , for an exempt jurisdiction, in the
1316 event the election officer determines that the number of early voting polling places is
1317 insufficient due to the number of registered voters who are voting, the election officer may
1318 designate additional polling places during the early voting period.
1319 (b) Except as provided in Section 20A-1-308 , if an additional early voting polling place
1320 is designated, the election officer shall, as soon as is reasonably possible, give notice of the
1321 dates, times, and location of the additional polling place by:
1322 (i) publishing the notice:
1323 (A) in one issue of a newspaper of general circulation in the county; and
1324 (B) as required in Section 45-1-101 ; and
1325 (ii) posting the notice at the additional polling place.
1326 (3) Except as provided in Section 20A-1-308 , for an exempt jurisdiction, for each
1327 regular general election and regular primary election, counties of the first class shall ensure that
1328 the early voting polling places are approximately proportionately distributed based on
1329 population within the county.
1330 Section 25. Section 20A-3-604 is amended to read:
1331 20A-3-604. Notice of time and place of early voting.
1332 Except as provided in Section 20A-1-308 , for an exempt jurisdiction, the election
1333 officer shall give notice of the dates, times, and locations of early voting by:
1334 (1) publishing the notice:
1335 (a) in one issue of a newspaper of general circulation in the county at least five
1336 calendar days before the date that early voting begins; and
1337 (b) in accordance with Section 45-1-101 , at least five calendar days before the date that
1338 early voting begins; and
1339 (2) posting the notice at each early voting polling place at least five calendar days
1340 before the date early voting begins.
1341 Section 26. Section 20A-3-605 is amended to read:
1342 20A-3-605. Exemptions from early voting.
1343 (1) (a) This part does not apply to an election of a board member of a local district.
1344 (b) Notwithstanding Subsection (1)(a), a local district that is an exempt jurisdiction
1345 may, at its discretion, provide early voting in accordance with this part for an election of a
1346 board member.
1347 (2) Notwithstanding the requirements of Section 20A-3-601 , an exempt jurisdiction
1348 that is a municipality of the fifth class or a town as described in Section 10-2-301 may provide
1349 early voting as provided under this part for:
1350 (a) a municipal primary election; or
1351 (b) a municipal general election.
1352 [
1353
1354 Section 27. Section 20A-3-702 is amended to read:
1355 20A-3-702. Election day voting center -- Hours of operation -- Compliance with
1356 Election Code.
1357 (1) An election officer [
1358 locations designated under Section 20A-3-703 .
1359 (2) An election officer shall provide for voting at an election day voting center by:
1360 (a) regular ballot if:
1361 (i) the election day voting center is designated under Section 20A-5-403 as the polling
1362 place for the voting precinct in which the voter resides; and
1363 (ii) the voter is eligible to vote using a regular ballot in accordance with this title;
1364 (b) voting center ballot if:
1365 (i) the election day voting center is not designated under Section 20A-5-403 as the
1366 polling place for the voting precinct in which the voter resides;
1367 (ii) the voter resides within the political subdivision holding the election; and
1368 (iii) the voter is otherwise eligible to vote using a regular ballot in accordance with this
1369 title; or
1370 (c) provisional ballot if the voter is only eligible to vote using a provisional ballot in
1371 accordance with this title.
1372 (3) An election officer shall ensure that an election day voting center:
1373 (a) is open on election day during the time period specified under Section 20A-1-302 ;
1374 (b) allows an eligible voter to vote if the voter:
1375 (i) resides within the political subdivision holding an election; and
1376 (ii) arrives at the election day voting center by the designated closing time in
1377 accordance with Section 20A-1-302 ; and
1378 (c) is administered according to the requirements of this title.
1379 (4) A person may submit a completed absentee ballot at an election day voting center
1380 for the political subdivision in which the person resides.
1381 (5) A person may submit an incomplete absentee ballot at an election day voting center
1382 for the political subdivision in which the person resides, request that the ballot be declared
1383 spoiled, and vote in person.
1384 Section 28. Section 20A-3-703 is amended to read:
1385 20A-3-703. Election day voting centers as polling places -- Location --
1386 Notification.
1387 The election officer [
1388 (1) designate one or more polling places as an election day voting center [
1389 [
1390 and location of an election day voting center at least [
1391 [
1392 requirements for a polling place under Chapter 5, Election Administration; and
1393 [
1394 government building or office, unless the election officer determines that there is no
1395 government building or office available, in the area designated by the election officer, that:
1396 (a) can be scheduled for use during election day voting hours;
1397 (b) has the physical facilities necessary to accommodate election day voting
1398 requirements;
1399 (c) has adequate space for voting equipment, poll workers, and voters; and
1400 (d) has adequate security, public accessibility, and parking.
1401 Section 29. Section 20A-5-605 is amended to read:
1402 20A-5-605. Duties of poll workers.
1403 (1) Poll workers shall:
1404 (a) arrive at the polling place at a time determined by the election officer; and
1405 (b) remain until the official election returns are prepared for delivery.
1406 (2) The election officer may designate:
1407 (a) certain poll workers to act as election judges;
1408 (b) an election judge to act as the presiding election judge; and
1409 (c) certain poll workers to act as clerks.
1410 (3) Upon their arrival to open the polls, the poll workers shall:
1411 (a) if the election officer has not designated which poll workers at a polling place are
1412 assigned to act as election judges, as presiding election judge, or as clerks:
1413 (i) designate two poll workers to act as election judges as necessary;
1414 (ii) determine which election judge shall preside as necessary; and
1415 (iii) determine which poll workers shall act as clerks as necessary;
1416 (b) select one or more of their number to deliver the election returns to the election
1417 officer or to the place that the election officer designates;
1418 (c) display the United States flag;
1419 (d) examine the voting devices to see that they are in proper working order and that
1420 security devices have not been tampered with;
1421 (e) place the voting devices, voting booths, and the ballot box in plain view of those
1422 poll workers and watchers that are present;
1423 (f) for paper ballots and ballot sheets, open the ballot packages in the presence of all
1424 the poll workers;
1425 (g) check the ballots, supplies, records, and forms;
1426 (h) if directed to do so by the election officer:
1427 (i) make any necessary corrections to the official ballots before they are distributed at
1428 the polls; and
1429 (ii) post any necessary notice of errors in electronic ballots before voting commences;
1430 (i) post the sample ballots, instructions to voters, and constitutional amendments, if
1431 any; and
1432 (j) open the ballot box in the presence of those assembled, turn it upside down to empty
1433 it of anything, and then, immediately before polls open, lock it, or if locks and keys are not
1434 available, tape it securely.
1435 (4) (a) If any poll worker fails to appear on the morning of the election, or fails or
1436 refuses to act:
1437 (i) at least six qualified electors from the voting precinct who are present at the polling
1438 place at the hour designated by law for the opening of the polls shall fill the vacancy by
1439 appointing another qualified person from the voting precinct who is a member of the same
1440 political party as the poll worker who is being replaced to act as a poll worker; or
1441 (ii) the election officer shall appoint a qualified person to act as a poll worker.
1442 (b) If a majority of the poll workers are present, they shall open the polls, even though
1443 a poll worker has not arrived.
1444 (5) (a) If it is impossible or inconvenient to hold an election at the polling place
1445 designated, the poll workers, after having assembled at or as near as practicable to the
1446 designated place, and before receiving any vote, may move to the nearest convenient place for
1447 holding the election.
1448 (b) If the poll workers move to a new polling place, they shall display a proclamation
1449 of the change and station a peace officer or some other proper person at the original polling
1450 place to notify voters of the location of the new polling place.
1451 (6) If the poll worker who received delivery of the ballots produces packages of
1452 substitute ballots accompanied by a written and sworn statement of the election officer that the
1453 ballots are substitute ballots because the original ballots were not received, were destroyed, or
1454 were stolen, the poll workers shall use those substitute ballots as the official election ballots.
1455 (7) If, for any reason, none of the official or substitute ballots are ready for distribution
1456 at a polling place or, if the supply of ballots is exhausted before the polls are closed, the poll
1457 workers may use unofficial ballots, made as nearly as possible in the form of the official ballot,
1458 until substitutes prepared by the election officer are printed and delivered.
1459 (8) When it is time to open the polls, one of the poll workers shall announce that the
1460 polls are open as required by Section 20A-1-302 , or in the case of early voting in an exempt
1461 jurisdiction, Section 20A-3-602 .
1462 (9) (a) The poll workers shall comply with the voting procedures and requirements of
1463 Title 20A, Chapter 3, Voting, in allowing people to vote.
1464 (b) The poll workers may not allow any person, other than election officials and those
1465 admitted to vote, within six feet of voting devices, voting booths, and the ballot box.
1466 (c) Besides the poll workers and watchers, the poll workers may not allow more than
1467 four voters in excess of the number of voting booths provided within six feet of voting devices,
1468 voting booths, and the ballot box.
1469 (d) If necessary, the poll workers shall instruct each voter about how to operate the
1470 voting device before the voter enters the voting booth.
1471 (e) (i) If the voter requests additional instructions after entering the voting booth, two
1472 poll workers may, if necessary, enter the booth and give the voter additional instructions.
1473 (ii) In regular general elections and regular primary elections, the two poll workers who
1474 enter the voting booth to assist the voter shall be of different political parties.
1475 Section 30. Repealer.
1476 This bill repeals:
1477 Section 20A-3-302 , Conducting entire election by absentee ballot.
1478 Section 31. Effective date.
1479 This bill takes effect on October 1, 2015.
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