Ashley Hartson

I strongly oppose this bill for the following reasons: 1. Requiring Government-Issued Photo ID for Absentee Ballots - Voter Accessibility: Many voters, especially elderly, low-income individuals, and people with disabilities, may not have easy access to a government-issued photo ID. This requirement could disenfranchise people who are otherwise eligible to vote but face difficulties obtaining the required identification. - Voter Suppression: The need for an ID could disproportionately affect marginalized communities, particularly people of color, who may have historically faced barriers to obtaining identification, thus creating unnecessary hurdles to voting. - Voter Privacy: Asking for a copy of a government-issued ID alongside an absentee ballot application could raise concerns about privacy and security, especially regarding the storage and handling of sensitive personal information. 2. Requiring Notarization of Absentee Ballot Applications - Increased Costs and Inconvenience: Notarization requires voters to find and pay for a notary, which could be burdensome, particularly for those in rural or underserved areas who may not have easy access to a notary. - Voter Turnout Impact: Adding this step could intimidate or confuse potential voters, leading to a decline in absentee voting participation. Those who may already be unfamiliar with the absentee voting process could face unnecessary barriers. - Disproportionate Impact on Certain Groups: Low-income individuals, students, and people without stable housing may be particularly impacted, as they may not have the time, resources, or access to notarization services. 3. Requiring In-Person "Curing" of Errors and Proof of Domicile - Disruption of Accessibility: This provision could significantly disadvantage voters who are unable to take time off work or who live in areas where the local government office is far away, especially in rural regions. - Barriers for Vulnerable Populations: Those with disabilities, the elderly, and others who have mobility issues may find it difficult or impossible to physically go to the clerk’s office to correct an error in their absentee ballot application. - Potential for Confusion: Requiring voters to correct errors in person might create confusion, especially for voters who may not understand the process or who do not receive timely notifications about issues with their ballots. - Increased Burden on Clerks: Local clerks could be overwhelmed by having to verify proofs of domicile for voters, which could delay the processing of ballots and undermine the efficiency of the election process. In conclusion, this bill provides undue barriers to voting as these provisions could be seen as intentional obstacles designed to make voting more difficult, especially for individuals who already face barriers to the democratic process. It also has an impact on voter turnout by imposing additional steps, documentation requirements, and in-person visits, the bill may dissuade eligible voters from participating, leading to decreased voter turnout, especially among those already underrepresented. There are constitutional concerns as the right to vote is a fundamental democratic right. Any policy that creates barriers to voting could be seen as unconstitutional, especially if it disproportionately affects certain groups of people based on race, income, or disability status.