Rep. Stanley cosponsors bill ensuring safe and participatory 2020 state elections in response

Rep. Stanley signed onto a bill ensuring safe and participatory 2020 state elections in response to COVID-19. The legislation attempts to alleviate any added burden on voters and their ability to access the ballot box while participating in the September 1, 2020 state primaries and November 3, 2020 biennial state election. It would provide that all voters, without application, receive an absent voting ballot and accompanying papers by mail from the state secretary at least 19 days prior to the general election. Voters would have the option to return such ballot by mail or in person at a secure, locked dropbox outside of their city or town clerk’s building. The bill also provides for early voting in person for the state primaries and extends the early voting period for the general election. Additionally, the bill outlines certain procedural changes to aid city and town clerks in the transmission of absent voting ballots and the keeping of secure records.