SB640: Bill Text

SB640, s. 74 Section 74. 6.86 (3) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640,46,14 6.86 (3) (a) 1. Any elector who is registered and whose registration is confirmed, whenever confirmation is required, and who is hospitalized, may apply for and obtain an official ballot by agent. The agent may apply for and obtain a ballot for the hospitalized absent elector by presenting a form prescribed by the board and containing the required information supplied by the hospitalized elector and signed by that elector and any other elector residing in the same municipality as the hospitalized elector, corroborating the information contained therein. The corroborating elector shall state on the form his or her full name and address. Notwithstanding sub. (2m) (a), if the hospitalized elector has designated the agent with the power of attorney and the agent has authority to act on the elector's behalf, the agent may sign the application form on behalf of the elector.

SB640,47,16 2. If a hospitalized elector is not registered, the elector may register or confirm his or her registration by agent under this subdivision at the same time that the elector applies for an official ballot by agent under subd. 1. To register the elector under this subdivision, the agent shall present a completed registration form that contains the required information supplied by the elector and the elector's signature, unless the elector is unable to sign due to physical disability. In this case To confirm a registration under this subdivision, the agent shall present a completed registration confirmation form under s. 6.256 (7). If the elector is unable to sign either form due to physical disability, the elector may authorize another elector to sign on his or her behalf. Any elector signing a form on another elector's behalf shall attest to a statement that the application or confirmation is made on request and by authorization of the named elector, who is unable to sign the form due to physical disability. The agent shall present this statement along with all other information required under this subdivision. Except as otherwise provided in this subdivision, the agent shall in every case provide proof of the elector's residence under s. 6.34. If the elector has designated the agent with the power of attorney and the agent has authority to act on the elector's behalf, the agent may sign the registration form on behalf of the elector. If the elector is registering to vote for or confirming an elector's registration for voting in the general election and the elector's agent presents a valid driver's license issued to the elector by another state, the municipal clerk shall record on a separate list the name and address of the elector, the name of the state, and the license number and expiration date of the license. If the agent cannot present proof of residence, the registration form or confirmation form shall be signed and substantiated by another elector residing in the elector's municipality of residence, corroborating the information in the form. The form shall contain the full name and address of the corroborating elector. The elector's agent shall then present proof of the corroborating elector's residence under s. 6.34.

SB640, s. 75 Section 75. 6.86 (3) (c) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640,48,8 6.86 (3) (c) An application under par. (a) 1. may be made and a registration form or confirmation form under par. (a) 2. may be filed in person at the office of the municipal clerk not earlier than 7 days before an election and not later than 5 p.m. on the day of the election. A list of hospitalized electors applying for ballots under par. (a) 1. shall be made by the municipal clerk and used to check that the electors vote only once, and by absentee ballot. If the elector is registering for the election after the close of registration or if the elector registered by mail or the elector confirmed his or her registration after the close of registration and has not voted in an election in this state, the municipal clerk shall inform the agent that proof of residence under s. 6.34 is required and the elector shall enclose proof of residence under s. 6.34 in the envelope with the ballot. The ballot shall be sealed by the elector and returned to the municipal clerk either by mail or by personal delivery of the agent; but if the ballot is returned on the day of the election, the agent shall make personal delivery to the polling place serving the hospitalized elector's residence before the closing hour or, in municipalities where absentee ballots are canvassed under s. 7.52, to the municipal clerk no later than 8 p.m. on election day.

SB640, s. 76 Section 76. 6.86 (3) (d) of the statutes is created to read:

SB640,48,14 6.86 (3) (d) A power of attorney agent is not permitted to cast an absentee ballot on behalf of a hospitalized elector, but if a hospitalized elector has difficulty reading, writing, or understanding English or due to disability is unable to mark a ballot, the elector may request assistance in marking his or her ballot from the power of attorney agent or another individual specified in s. 6.82 (2) (a).

SB640, s. 77 Section 77. 6.865 (title) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640,48,16 6.865 (title) Federal absentee ballot requests ballots.

SB640, s. 78 Section 78. 6.865 (3) of the statutes is repealed.

SB640, s. 79 Section 79. 6.865 (3m) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640,49,6 6.865 (3m) (a) Except as provided in par. (c), if any elector who certifies If an individual who will be a military elector on election day applies for an absentee ballot, the individual may certify that he or she will be a military elector on election day requests an absentee ballot, the municipal clerk shall send or transmit to the elector an absentee ballot for all elections that occur in the municipality or portion thereof where the elector resides beginning on the date that the clerk receives the request and ending on the day after the 3rd successive general election that follows receipt of the request, unless the elector otherwise requests. In addition, the municipal clerk shall continue to send or transmit to the elector an absentee ballot for all elections ending on the day after the 3rd successive general election that follows any election at which the elector returns an absentee ballot under this section or renews his or her request under par. (c) and the municipal clerk shall treat the ballot as provided under s. 6.221.

SB640, s. 80 Section 80. 6.865 (3m) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640,49,13 6.865 (3m) (b) A military elector may indicate an alternate address on his or her absentee ballot application. If the elector's ballot is returned as undeliverable prior to the deadline for receipt and return of absentee ballots under sub. (3) s. 6.87 (6) and the elector remains eligible to receive absentee ballots under this subsection, the municipal clerk shall immediately send or transmit an absentee ballot to the elector at the alternate address.

SB640, s. 81 Section 81. 6.865 (3m) (c) of the statutes is repealed.

SB640, s. 82 Section 82. 6.868 of the statutes is created to read:

SB640,49,19 6.868 Period for absentee voting in person. The period for absentee voting in person at the office of the municipal clerk or an alternate site designated under s. 6.855 begins on the 21st day before each election and ends on the day before each election.

SB640, s. 83 Section 83. 6.869 of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640,50,4 6.869 Uniform instructions. The board shall prescribe uniform instructions for municipalities to provide to absentee voters. The instructions shall include the specific means of electronic communication that an absentee elector may use to file an application for an absentee ballot and, if the absentee elector is required to register, to request a registration form or change his or her registration. The instructions also shall include information concerning the procedure for correcting errors in marking a ballot and obtaining a replacement for a spoiled ballot. The procedure shall, to the extent possible, respect the privacy of each elector and preserve the confidentiality of each elector's vote.

SB640, s. 84 Section 84. 6.87 (2) (intro.) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640,50,10 6.87 (2) (intro.) Except as authorized under sub. (3) (d), the municipal clerk shall place the ballot in an unsealed envelope furnished by the clerk. The Except as provided in sub. (2m) and s. 6.24 (4) (d), the envelope shall have the name, official title and post-office address of the clerk upon its face. The other side of the envelope shall have a printed certificate in substantially the following form:

SB640, s. 85 Section 85. 6.87 (2m) of the statutes is created to read:

SB640,50,17 6.87 (2m) The board shall prescribe the form of an absentee ballot envelope for use by electors voting absentee ballots in person at the office of the municipal clerk or an alternate site designated under s. 6.855. No certification and no witness is required on such envelopes. The form shall include a space for the name and residence of the absentee elector and the ward and aldermanic district where the elector resides, if any.

SB640, s. 86 Section 86. 6.87 (3) (d) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640,51,14 6.87 (3) (d) A municipal clerk may shall, if the clerk is reliably informed by an absent elector of a facsimile transmission number or electronic mail address where the elector can receive an absentee ballot, transmit a facsimile or electronic copy of the absent elector's ballot to that elector in lieu of mailing under this subsection if, in the judgment of the clerk, the time required to send the ballot through the mail may not be sufficient to enable return of the ballot by the time provided under sub. (6). An elector may receive an absentee ballot under this subsection only if the elector has filed a valid application for the ballot under s. 6.86 (1). If the clerk transmits an absentee ballot under this paragraph to an absent elector electronically, the clerk shall also transmit a facsimile or electronic copy of the text of the material that appears on the certificate envelope prescribed in sub. (2), together with instructions prescribed by the board. The instructions shall require the absent elector to make and subscribe to the certification as required under sub. (4) and to enclose the absentee ballot in a separate envelope contained within a larger envelope, that shall include the completed certificate. The elector shall then affix sufficient postage unless the absentee ballot qualifies for mailing free of postage under federal free postage laws and shall mail the absentee ballot to the municipal clerk. Except as authorized in s. 6.97 (2), an absentee ballot received under this paragraph from an elector who receives the ballot electronically shall not be counted unless it is cast in the manner prescribed in this paragraph and sub. (4) and in accordance with the instructions provided by the board.

SB640, s. 87 Section 87. 6.87 (4) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640,52,16 6.87 (4) Except as otherwise provided in sub. (2m) and s. 6.875, the elector voting absentee shall make and subscribe to the certification before one witness who is an adult U.S. citizen. The absent elector, in the presence of the witness, shall mark the ballot in a manner that will not disclose how the elector's vote is cast. The elector shall then, still in the presence of the witness, fold the ballots so each is separate and so that the elector conceals the markings thereon and deposit them in the proper envelope. If a consolidated ballot under s. 5.655 is used, the elector shall fold the ballot so that the elector conceals the markings thereon and deposit the ballot in the proper envelope. If proof of residence is required, the elector shall enclose proof of residence under s. 6.34 in the envelope. Proof of residence is required if the elector is not a military elector or an overseas elector, as defined in s. 6.34 (1), and the elector registered by mail or confirmed his or her registration after the close of registration and has not voted in an election in this state. If the elector requested a ballot by means of facsimile transmission or electronic mail under s. 6.86 (1) (ac), the elector shall enclose in the envelope a copy of the request which bears an original signature of the elector. The elector may receive assistance under sub. (5). The return envelope shall then be sealed. The witness may not be a candidate. The envelope shall be mailed by the elector, or delivered in person, to the municipal clerk issuing the ballot or ballots. If the envelope is mailed from a location outside the United States, the elector shall affix sufficient postage unless the ballot qualifies for delivery free of postage under federal law. Failure to return an unused ballot in a primary does not invalidate the ballot on which the elector's votes are cast. Return of more than one marked ballot in a primary or return of a ballot prepared under s. 5.655 or a ballot used with an electronic voting system in a primary which is marked for candidates of more than one party invalidates all votes cast by the elector for candidates in the primary.

SB640, s. 88 Section 88. 6.87 (9) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640,52,22 6.87 (9) If a municipal clerk receives an absentee ballot by mail with an improperly completed certificate or with no certificate, the clerk may return the ballot to the elector, inside the sealed envelope when an envelope is received, together with a new envelope if necessary, whenever time permits the elector to correct the defect and return the ballot within the period authorized under sub. (6).

SB640, s. 89 Section 89. 6.875 (3) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640,53,17 6.875 (3) An occupant of a nursing home or qualified retirement home or qualified community-based residential facility who qualifies as an absent elector and desires to receive an absentee ballot shall make application under s. 6.86 (1), (2), or (2m) with the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners of the municipality in which the elector is a resident. The clerk or board of election commissioners of a municipality receiving an application from an elector who is an occupant of a nursing home or qualified retirement home or qualified community-based residential facility located in a different municipality shall, as soon as possible, notify and transmit an absentee ballot for the elector to the clerk or board of election commissioners of the municipality in which the home or qualified community-based residential facility is located. The clerk or board of election commissioners of a municipality receiving an application from an elector who is an occupant of a nursing home or qualified retirement home or qualified community-based residential facility located in the municipality but who is a resident of a different municipality shall, as soon as possible, notify and request transmission of an absentee ballot from the clerk or board of election commissioners of the municipality in which the elector is a resident. The clerk or board of election commissioners shall make a record of all absentee ballots to be transmitted, delivered, and voted under this section.

SB640, s. 90 Section 90. 6.875 (4) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640,54,12 6.875 (4) (a) For the purpose of absentee voting in nursing homes and qualified retirement homes and qualified community-based residential facilities, the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners of each municipality in which one or more nursing homes or qualified retirement homes or qualified community-based residential facilities are located shall appoint at least 2 special voting deputies for the municipality. Upon application under s. 6.86 (1), (2), or (2m) by one or more qualified electors who are occupants of a nursing home or qualified retirement home or qualified community-based residential facility, the municipal clerk or board of election commissioners of the municipality in which the home or facility is located shall dispatch 2 special voting deputies to visit the home or qualified community-based residential facility for the purpose of supervising absentee voting procedure by occupants of the home or qualified community-based residential facility. The clerk shall maintain a list, available to the public upon request, of each nursing home or qualified retirement home or qualified community-based residential facility where an elector has requested an absentee ballot. The list shall include the date and time the deputies intend to visit each home or facility. The 2 deputies designated to visit each nursing home or qualified retirement home and qualified community-based residential facility shall be affiliated with different political parties whenever deputies representing different parties are available.

SB640, s. 91 Section 91. 6.875 (6) (c) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640,55,2 6.875 (6) (c) 1. Upon their visit to the home or facility under par. (a), the deputies shall personally offer each elector who has filed a proper application for an absentee ballot the opportunity to cast his or her absentee ballot. If an elector is present who has not filed a proper application for an absentee ballot, the 2 deputies may accept an application from the elector and shall issue a ballot to the elector if the elector is qualified and the application is proper. The deputies shall each witness the certification and may, upon request of the elector, assist the elector in marking the elector's ballot. The deputies shall then sign the certification as witnesses and, if they provide assistance, shall sign the back of the ballot indicating that they provided assistance. All voting shall be conducted in the presence of the deputies. Upon request of the elector, a relative of the elector who is present in the room may assist the elector in marking the elector's ballot. No individual other than a deputy may witness the certification and no individual other than a deputy or relative of an elector may render voting assistance to the elector.

SB640, s. 92 Section 92. 6.88 (3) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640,55,19 6.88 (3) (b) When the inspectors find that a certification is insufficient, that the applicant is not a qualified elector in the ward or election district, that the ballot envelope is open or has been opened and resealed, that the ballot envelope contains more than one ballot of any one kind or, except in municipalities where absentee ballots are canvassed under s. 7.52, that the certificate of an elector who received an absentee ballot by facsimile transmission or electronic mail is missing, or if proof is submitted to the inspectors that an elector voting an absentee ballot has since died, the inspectors shall not count the ballot. The inspectors shall endorse every ballot not counted on the back, "rejected (giving the reason)". The inspectors shall reinsert each rejected ballot into the certificate envelope in which it was delivered and enclose the certificate envelopes and ballots, and securely seal the ballots and envelopes in an envelope marked for rejected absentee ballots. The inspectors shall endorse the envelope, "rejected ballots" with a statement of the ward or election district and date of the election, signed by the chief inspector and one of the inspectors representing each of the 2 major political parties and returned to the municipal clerk in the same manner as official ballots voted at the election.

SB640, s. 93 Section 93. 6.88 (3) (c) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640,56,2 6.88 (3) (c) The inspectors shall review each certificate absentee ballot envelope to determine whether any absentee ballot is cast by an elector whose name appears on the poll list as ineligible to vote at the election by reason of a felony conviction. If the inspectors receive an absentee ballot that has been cast by an elector whose name appears on the poll list as ineligible for that reason, the inspectors shall challenge the ballot as provided in s. 6.92 and treat the ballot in the manner provided in s. 6.95.

SB640, s. 94 Section 94. 6.925 of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640,56,22 6.925 Elector making challenge in person. Any elector may challenge for cause any person offering to vote whom the elector knows or suspects is not a qualified elector. If the challenged elector proposes to vote in a municipality having a population of 2,500 or more, the challenging elector shall be an elector of the same ward or election district as the challenged elector and the inspectors shall require the challenging elector to provide proof of residence under s. 6.34 before accepting the challenge. If a person is challenged as unqualified by an elector, one of the inspectors may administer the oath or affirmation to the challenged elector under s. 6.92 and ask the challenged elector the questions under that section which are appropriate to test the elector's qualifications. In addition, one of the inspectors shall administer the following oath or affirmation to the challenging elector: "You do solemnly swear (or affirm) that you will fully and truly answer all questions put to you regarding the challenged person's place of residence and qualifications as an elector of this election"; and election." If the challenged elector resides in a municipality having a population of 2,500 or more, the inspector shall also require the challenging elector to swear or affirm that he or she is an elector of the same ward or election district as the challenged elector. The inspector shall then ask questions which are appropriate as determined by the board, by rule, to test the qualifications of the challenged elector.

SB640, s. 95 Section 95. 6.93 of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640,57,8 6.93 Challenging the absent elector. The vote of any absent elector may be challenged for cause by any inspector or by another elector and the inspectors of election shall have all the power and authority given them to hear and determine the legality of the ballot the same as if the ballot had been voted in person. In municipalities where absentee ballots are canvassed under s. 7.52, the vote of an absentee elector may be challenged as provided in s. 7.52 (5). If the challenged elector proposes to vote in a municipality having a population of 2,500 or more, any challenging elector shall be an elector of the same ward or election district as the challenged elector and the inspectors shall require the challenging elector to provide proof of residence under s. 6.34 before accepting the challenge.

SB640, s. 96 Section 96. 7.08 (1) (c) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640,57,14 7.08 (1) (c) Prescribe forms required by ss. 6.24 (3) and (4), 6.30 (4), 6.33 (1), 6.40 (1) (a), 6.47 (1) (am) 2. and (3), 6.55 (2), and , 6.86 (2) to (1) (ad) and (3) , and 6.87 (2m). All such forms shall contain a statement of the penalty applicable to false or fraudulent registration or voting through use of the form. Forms are not required to be furnished by the board.

SB640, s. 97 Section 97. 7.08 (3) (d) to (g) of the statutes are created to read:

SB640,57,16 7.08 (3) (d) Be written in clear, unambiguous language.

SB640,57,17 (e) Be indexed by subject.

SB640,57,19 (f) Contain specific examples of common problems encountered at polling places on election day and detailed, specific procedures for resolving those problems.

SB640,57,20 (g) Include an explanation of all of the following:

SB640,57,22 1. Laws and rules governing solicitation by individuals and groups at a polling place.

SB640,57,24 2. Procedures to be followed with respect to electors whose names do not appear on the registration list.

SB640,57,25 3. Proper operation of any electronic voting system used at a polling place.

SB640,58,1 4. Procedures for handling of ballots.

SB640,58,2 5. Procedures governing spoiled ballots.

SB640,58,3 6. Procedures to be followed after a polling place closes.

SB640,58,4 7. Rights of electors at the polls.

SB640,58,5 8. Procedures for handling of emergency situations.

SB640,58,6 9. Procedures for handling and processing of provisional ballots.

SB640,58,7 10. Security procedures.

SB640, s. 98 Section 98. 7.08 (12) of the statutes is created to read:

SB640,58,12 7.08 (12) Remedies for deceptive election practices. Disseminate through the Internet and radio, television, and newspaper advertisements information concerning complaint procedures and remedies for deceptive election practices under s. 12.17.

SB640, s. 99 Section 99. 7.08 (13) of the statutes is created to read:

SB640,58,19 7.08 (13) Withhold personal information provided to board. Withhold from public access under s. 19.35 (1) the telephone number, facsimile transmission number, or electronic mail address of any elector who voluntarily provides that information to the board or to a county or municipal clerk. The board may transfer the information to any official or employee who has access to the information in the registration list under s. 6.36 (1) (b) 1. a. to be used for the administration of elections.

SB640, s. 100 Section 100. 7.10 (11) of the statutes is created to read:

SB640,59,2 7.10 (11) Withhold personal information provided to clerk. The county clerk shall withhold from public inspection under s. 19.35 (1) the telephone number, facsimile transmission number, or electronic mail address of any elector who voluntarily provides that information to the clerk or to the board or a municipal clerk. The county clerk may transfer the information to any official or employee who has access to the information in the registration list under s. 6.36 (1) (b) 1. a. to be used for the administration of elections.

SB640, s. 101 Section 101. 7.15 (1) (cm) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640,59,10 7.15 (1) (cm) Prepare official absentee ballots for delivery to electors requesting them, and send an official absentee ballot to each elector who has requested one for voting outside the office of the municipal clerk or an alternate site designated under s. 6.855 no later than the 30th day before each September primary and general election and no later than the 21st day before each other primary and election if the request is made before that day; otherwise, the municipal clerk shall send an official absentee ballot within one day of the time the elector's request is received.

SB640, s. 102 Section 102. 7.15 (1) (j) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640,59,14 7.15 (1) (j) Send an absentee ballot automatically to each person making an authorized request therefor in accordance with s. 6.22 (4), 6.24 (4) (c), or 6.86 (2) or (2m).

SB640, s. 103 Section 103. 7.15 (2m) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640,59,20 7.15 (2m) Operation of alternate absentee ballot site. In a municipality in which the governing body has elected to establish an one or more alternate absentee ballot site sites under s. 6.855, the municipal clerk shall operate such site as though it were his or her office for absentee ballot purposes and shall ensure that such site is adequately staffed.

SB640, s. 104 Section 104. 7.15 (4) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640,59,25 7.15 (4) Recording electors. Within Except as authorized in s. 6.33 (5) (a), within 30 days after each election, the municipal clerk shall enter on the registration list under the name of each elector of the municipality who has voted at the election an indication of the date of the election in which the elector voted.

SB640, s. 105 Section 105. 7.15 (15) of the statutes is created to read:

SB640,60,8 7.15 (15) Withhold personal information provided to clerk. The municipal clerk shall withhold from public inspection under s. 19.35 (1) the telephone number, facsimile transmission number, or electronic mail address of any elector who voluntarily provides that information to the clerk or to the board or county clerk. The municipal clerk may transfer the information to any official or employee who has access to the information in the registration list under s. 6.36 (1) (b) 1. a. to be used for the administration of elections.

SB640, s. 106 Section 106. 7.41 (4) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640,60,17 7.41 (4) No individual exercising the right under sub. (1) may view the confidential portion of a registration list maintained under s. 6.36 (4) or a poll list maintained under s. 6.79 (6). However, the inspectors or municipal clerk shall disclose to such an individual, upon request, the existence of such a list, the number of electors whose names appear on the list, and the number of those electors who have voted at any point in the proceedings. No such individual may view the certificate absentee ballot envelope of an absent elector who obtains a confidential listing under s. 6.47 (2).

SB640, s. 107 Section 107. 7.51 (3) (d) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640,60,25 7.51 (3) (d) Except in municipalities where absentee ballots are canvassed under s. 7.52, all absentee certificate ballot envelopes which have been opened shall be returned by the inspectors to the municipal clerk in a securely sealed carrier envelope which is clearly marked "used absentee certificate ballot envelopes". The envelopes shall be signed by the chief inspector and 2 other inspectors. Except when the ballots are used in a municipal or school district election only, the municipal clerk shall transmit the used envelopes to the county clerk.

SB640, s. 108 Section 108. 7.52 (3) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640,61,19 7.52 (3) (b) When the board of absentee ballot canvassers finds that a certification is insufficient, that the applicant is not a qualified elector in the ward or election district, that the ballot envelope is open or has been opened and resealed, that the ballot envelope contains more than one ballot of any one kind, or that the certificate of an elector who received an absentee ballot by facsimile transmission or electronic mail is missing, or if proof is submitted to the board of absentee ballot canvassers that an elector voting an absentee ballot has since died, the board of absentee ballot canvassers shall not count the ballot. Each member of the board of absentee ballot canvassers shall endorse every ballot not counted on the back as "rejected (giving the reason)." The board of absentee ballot canvassers shall reinsert each rejected ballot into the certificate envelope in which it was delivered and enclose the certificate envelopes and ballots, and securely seal the ballots and envelopes in an envelope marked for rejected absentee ballots. The board of absentee ballot canvassers shall endorse the envelope as "rejected ballots," with a statement of the ward or election district and date of the election, and each member of the board of absentee ballot canvassers shall sign the statement. The board of absentee ballot canvassers shall then return the envelope containing the ballots to the municipal clerk.

SB640, s. 109 Section 109. 7.52 (4) (i) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB640,62,2 7.52 (4) (i) All absentee certificate ballot envelopes that have been opened shall be returned by the board of absentee ballot canvassers to the municipal clerk in a securely sealed carrier envelope that is clearly marked "used absentee certificate ballot envelopes." The envelopes shall be signed by each member of the board of absentee ballot canvassers. Except when the ballots are used in a municipal or school district election only, the municipal clerk shall transmit the used envelopes to the county clerk.

SB640, s. 110 Section 110. 7.52 (5) of the statutes is renumbered 7.52 (5) (a) and amended to read:

SB640,62,13 7.52 (5) (a) The vote of any absent elector may be challenged for cause by the board of absentee ballot canvassers or by another elector and the board of absentee ballot canvassers shall have all the power and authority given the inspectors to hear and determine the legality of the ballot the same as if the ballot had been voted in person. If the challenged elector proposes to vote in a municipality having a population of 2,500 or more, any challenging elector shall be an elector of the same ward or election district as the challenged elector and the board of absentee ballot canvassers shall require the challenging elector to provide proof of residence under s. 6.34.

SB640, s. 111 Section 111. 7.52 (6) (a) of the statutes is renumbered 7.52 (6) and amended to read:

SB640,62,24 7.52 (6) The board of absentee ballot canvassers shall review each certificate absentee ballot envelope to determine whether any absentee ballot is cast by an elector whose name appears on the poll list as ineligible to vote at the election, including ineligibility to vote by reason of a felony conviction. If the board of absentee ballot canvassers receives an absentee ballot that has been cast by an elector whose name appears on the poll list as ineligible to vote, the inspectors shall challenge the ballot in the same manner as provided for inspectors making challenges under s. 6.92 and shall treat the ballot in the manner as provided for treatment of challenged ballots by inspectors under s. 6.95.

SB640, s. 112 Section 112. 7.52 (6) (b) of the statutes is renumbered 7.52 (5) (b) and amended to read: