SB 83 (2021)

This omnibus bill relates to elections. First, this bill clarifies the law governing where election officials can be and what they can do on Election Day if they are also running for office.  The House voted to remove this part of the bill.

Second, this bill authorizes the creation of an "election information portal" where voters can complete a new voter application, request an absentee ballot, and request changes to the statewide centralized voter registration database (such as address and party affiliation).  The House voted to remove this part of the bill, as well.

Third, this revises the fees for a recount (for example, from $500 to $1,000 for a statewide recount if the candidates are 0.25%-1% apart).

Fourth, this bill changes the format requirements for candidates submitting campaign finance information, for example to require that reports are legible.

Fifth, this bill makes various changes to the laws governing town meetings and elections. In particular, this bill allows virtual meetings and drive-by voting.  The Senate amended this part of the bill to instead narrowly revise the law governing expenditures prior to town meetings.

Lastly, this bill allows the partial processing of absentee ballots the week before an election.  The Senate removed this part of the bill.

The House and Senate did not agree on a final version of this bill.