Legislative update on elections bills

by: Clem Guttata

Tue Apr 07, 2009 at 23:30:00 PM EDT

Yesterday afternoon the Senate Judiciary Committee took up two elections bill and passed them out to the Senate floor with a recommendation that they pass.

HB 2464 - Authorizes early voting satellite precincts:  County Clerks would be required to come up with a plan for satellite precincts.  They would be required to get agreement from the Republican and Democratic chairs of the county parties.  The plan would then be submitted to the County Commission for final approval or denial.  If the plan is approved, the satellite precinct would be implemented.  Counties are not required to have satellite precincts under this bill, but would be allowed to propose a site if they thought it would be beneficial to the county and the voters.

HB 3134 - Vote by mail pilot program:  Beginning with the 2010 elections, Class IV municipalities (the smallest) would be allowed to conduct early voting only entirely by mail.  Cities that chose this option would still be required to have precincts open on election day proper.  This bill also has the Secretary of State's office develop criteria for the selection of five Class I, II, or III cities to participate in a VBM pilot program.  These cities could conduct their election entirely by mail in the style of Oregon.

I'm a big fan of early voting. I can't remember the last time I voted on election day. In addition to accommodating work schedules, early voting is great if you plan on volunteering as a poll worker or for a campaign on election day.