§ 26-14-115.6. Emergency absentee ballots for first responders and emergency workers.

A.  A registered voter who, within ten (10) days preceding an election, is deployed as a first responder or emergency worker to assist with the rescue, recovery, or relief efforts of a declared natural disaster or state of emergency, may make a written request for an emergency absentee ballot in a form prescribed by the Secretary of the State Election Board.  The request shall be signed by the voter and shall be provided by the voter to the secretary of the county election board in the county where the voter is registered.

B.  Upon receipt of the voter's request, the secretary of the county election board shall issue to the voter the appropriate ballots and envelopes required for voting an emergency absentee ballot.  Provided, the voter shall present proof of identity as required by Section 7-114 of this title.

C.  The ballots must be returned in person by the voter, by United States mail, or by other means of delivery approved by the Secretary of the State Election Board, to the secretary of the county election board no later than 7:00 p.m. on the day of the election.

D.  Upon return of the absentee ballots, the secretary of the county election board shall cause the ballots to be processed in the same manner as is prescribed for other absentee ballots.

E.  The Secretary of the State Election Board shall promulgate rules to implement the procedures described in this section.

Added by Laws 2013, c. 200, § 6, eff. Nov. 1, 2013.