HB 5401
Relating to voting in West Virginia elections while residing overseas
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Sign in to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill expands West Virginia’s absentee voting options for residents who live overseas. It allows eligible voters to request and receive mail-in ballots under a wider range of circumstances, including those related to travel, education, employment, disability, and military service. The bill also introduces the possibility of electronic absentee ballots for certain voters with disabilities and those unable to vote in person due to specific work assignments or emergency situations. Finally, it clarifies definitions related to overseas voting eligibility.
Key provisions
- Allows overseas voters to vote by mail under various circumstances, including absence from the county, military service, and specific disability or age-related limitations.
- Introduces the option for electronic absentee ballots for voters with disabilities or those unable to vote in person.
- Defines ‘disability’ and ‘physical disability’ for voting purposes.
- Clarifies eligibility for ‘Overseas federal election voter’ and ‘Overseas and federal voter’ categories.
- Expands absentee voting eligibility for first responders called away on duty.
- Allows emergency absentee voting for voters in hospitals or nursing homes.
- Defines ‘federal election’ and ‘state election’ for the purposes of the bill.
- Establishes a residency requirement for overseas voters.
Who is affected
- West Virginia residents living overseas
- Military personnel and their families stationed abroad
- Students studying abroad
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yours