S.Amdt. 4735

SA 4735, submitted by Mr. Ricketts and Mrs. Fischer, aims to change bill S. 1383 by adding specific provisions for residents of rural counties to obtain absentee ballots.

The amendment proposes the following additions and changes:

• It adds a provision for individuals who are residents of a rural county with a population of 10,000 residents or less that has been certified to conduct Federal office elections by mail.

• It requires individuals seeking an absentee ballot under this provision to provide a sworn certification of their residency in such a rural county, along with reasonably sufficient documentation.

• It allows rural counties with a population of 10,000 or less to conduct Federal office elections by mail if the State's chief election official provides the Election Assistance Commission with:

  • A certification of the county population.
  • A written plan ensuring the county maintains at least one in-person voting location and provides an option for voters to return ballots in person to a designated location or election official's office.

• It tasks the Election Assistance Commission with reviewing these certifications and issuing guidance on additional requirements for these rural counties.