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Session: State Capitol, Room 102 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Phone: (907) 465-3743 Fax: (907) 465-2381 Send E-Mail Interim: |
Bill Brings System into Line with New Technology
For Immediate Release: March 8, 2000
Contact: Representative Jeannette James at (907) 465-3743.
Juneau -- The Alaska House of Representatives Wednesday passed House Bill 163, sponsored by Representative Jeannette James, which updates current election law to conform with the optical scanning ballot tabulation system. HB 163 passed the House unanimously.
"The goal of this bill is to make the electoral process more efficient while continuing to maintain the integrity of the process," James said. "HB 163 also contains some policy changes regarding write-in candidates and the absentee process which will help make the election process more efficient for both the electorate and the Division of Elections."
Write-in candidates
HB 163 forbids the use of stickers by write-in candidates. The State has been advised by the manufacturer of the optical scan ballot tabulation system that stickers could damage the Accu-Vote machines.
Absentee Process
HB 163 streamlines the Absentee by Personal Representative process to allow the personal representative to deliver an application and voting material at one time and then return the voted ballot and material to an election official. Checks and balances to protect the integrity of the electoral process will remain in place.
HB 163 also streamlines the Absentee In-Person Voting Process by allowing voters registered in a house district in which the regional election office has jurisdiction to forego completion of the absentee oath and affidavit envelope. This should significantly reduce the number of absentee ballots requiring review by the Division of Elections.