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IV. Legislative Update
Arizona: With the legislative session creeping to an end, lawmakers advanced a presumed-dead omnibus election bill that would trim the state’s permanent early voting list and limit who can return mail ballots for voters.
Nevada: As anticipated, Gov. Brian Sandoval (R) vetoed legislation (AB440) that would have extended the state’s voter registration deadline to the Friday before an election. The deadline will remain three weeks prior to an election.
New Hampshire: The Senate is appointing negotiators to a committee conference in order to hammer out the differences between the Senate and House versions of the state’s voter ID legislation. The Senate has agreed it will negotiate on the legislation.
New Jersey: A bill (A-1548) that would give school districts the option of holding or canceling classes on election day is advancing. Under the legislation, if schools opt to stay open during an election, the local school board is required to establish a written security plan and safety guidelines.
New York: The New York City Council has introduced a bill that would eliminate runoff elections and replace them an instant runoff voting system.
Pennsylvania: The Senate State Government Committee approved Senate Bill 976 that would require the creation of an online system where military and overseas voters could return absentee ballots electronically.
South Carolina: In response to long lines that many voters in Richland County were faced with in November 2012, the General Assembly approved legislation that would create 25 new precincts in varying locations around the county. Some locations will simply be split into two or three precincts within the same location while others will require a new location altogether.
Wisconsin: In a rare moment of compromise, Republican and Democrat members of an Assembly committee approved election legislation that would allow for online voter registration. The committee also dropped provisions in the bill such as voter ID, banning in-person absentee voting on the weekends and limiting recall elections. The Assembly approved the legislation, but it’s future in the Senate is uncertain.