HB 1184 – Ensure Safer Voting for 2020 Elections

Primary Sponsors: Rep. Marcia Morey (D-Durham), Rep. Zack Hawkins (D-Durham), Rep. John Autry, Rep. Deb Butler (D-New Hanover)

Summary

  • Extends voter registration deadline to 14 days before the election
  • Expands options for submitting absentee ballot request forms
  • Allows for every single voter to receive a mail request form for an absentee ballot
  • Pre-paid postage would be included on this form
  • Allows for a copy of a utility bill, bank statement, government check, or paycheck to be used for identification, if no witness is available to certify the ballot
  • Requires every local board of elections to have one contactless ballot drop box for every 25,000 voters per county
  • Allows for poll worker recruitment flexibility
  • Allows for county board of elections to have flexibility in voting hours
  • Requires Election Day to be a paid State holiday
  • States no photo ID shall be required for the 2020 general election
  • Provides the Executive Director of the State Board of Elections to have emergency powers due to a pandemic or national health crisis
  • Allows curb side voting to be expanded

History

  • Filed 5/26/2020