Elizabeth Early

I feel this absentee ballot measure is discriminatory against seniors and people with disabilities, as they are the ones who use the absentee ballot measure the most. Currently, absentee ballot applications must be signed by the voter and anyone who assists them with completing the application. By requiring an additional step of having the application notarized, voters will have a more difficult time completing this form – resulting in their application being rejected, late, or not completed at all. Many seniors and voters with disabilities vote via absentee ballot because they are unable to vote in person on election day. These same voters who may not have transportation or the ability to independently travel are most likely to be affected by needing to find a notary and make a color copy of an ID. Both notarization and color copies have monetary costs – this bill would add those costs and burden to voting absentee. Absentee voting is a secure, reliable way for voters who cannot make it to the polls on election day to ensure their vote is counted and they are able to participate in our democratic process.