Ensuring Ballots Received By Election Day Act

TOPLINE POINTS

• This model policy would require all ballots, with the exception of military personnel serving overseas and American citizens living overseas, to be received by the close of polls on Election Day. Currently, 30 states require ballots to be received by Election Day, although the deadline hour varies. Other states allow ballots to be received up to 14 days after Election Day. This legislation will decrease the prolonged post-election vote tally, which often leads to public distrust and protracted litigation.

Section 1. {Basic Elements of the Bill}

1. For all elections as specified in [section], all ballots, with the exception of [section], shall be returned to election officials by the close of polls on Election Day.

Section 2. {Exceptions}

1. All ballots of military personnel serving overseas and American citizens living overseas as defined in [section] shall be postmarked by or on Election Day and shall be received within five days after Election Day.
2. Any of these ballots postmarked after Election Day or received more than five days after Election Day shall not be counted.