S.Amdt. 4683

The amendment, titled the Freedom to Vote by Mail Act, aims to expand and standardize the ability of citizens to vote by mail in Federal elections. It seeks to change current laws by removing various barriers to absentee voting and improving the delivery and tracking of ballots.

Key changes and additions include:

• Voting Access: It prohibits states from adding extra eligibility conditions for mail-in voting. It also bans requirements for notarization, witness signatures (except in specific cases), and the use of identifying documents as a condition for getting or casting a ballot.

• Ballot Verification: It establishes due process for signature verification. If a signature is missing or doesn't match, officials must make a good faith effort to notify the voter so they can fix the error.

• Application Process: States must allow voters to apply for absentee ballots online. It also allows voters to request a ballot for all future Federal elections.

• Deadlines and Delivery: It sets a uniform deadline where ballots are accepted if postmarked by election day and received within 7 days. It also requires the Postal Service to process ballots on the same day they are received and provide free postage for completed ballots.

• Tracking and Visibility: It requires states to have a program to track ballots and inform voters if their vote was accepted or rejected. It also mandates the use of specific tags and logos to make election mail more visible.

• Drop Boxes: It requires jurisdictions to provide secured, labeled drop boxes. It sets minimum numbers of boxes based on registered voters or previous mail-in votes and ensures they are accessible to people with disabilities, homeless individuals, and those with limited English proficiency.