SB 178

Bill Subjects

Attorney General Elections, Absent Voters Elections, Conduct Of Elections Elections Generally Elections, Primary Elections Elections, State And Local Boards Elections, Vacancies In Office; Vacancies On The Ballot Elections, Voters And Voting; Registration Public Questions

Abstract

Requires the election division instead of the Indiana election commission to prescribe a uniform generic seal for use on certain ballots when the circuit court clerk is a candidate on the ballot. Provides that a candidate for the office of attorney general may not have been disbarred in Indiana or suspended from the practice of law in Indiana for at least 30 days without automatic reinstatement at any time during the period of five years before taking office. Provides that if the individual who holds the office of attorney general is disbarred in Indiana or suspended from the practice of law in Indiana for at least 30 days, the individual forfeits the office and a vacancy in the office exists. Requires certification by the county chairman of a candidate in a political party primary or town convention if the candidate cast a nonpartisan ballot at the most recent primary election in which the candidate voted beginning in January, 2021. Updates municipal primary dates. Prohibits the printing of an independent or political party device on a ballot under specified circumstances. Specifies ballot placement of names when there are both at-large and district candidates. Specifies that language in a public question not contain beginning and ending quotation marks. Adds references to the Porter County election board. Adds references to instances in which an absentee ballot may be recast. Adds references to vote centers. Specifies a procedure for folding ballots when voting in front of an absentee voter board. Specifies a comparison of signature upon receipt of an absentee ballot and time frame. Sets forth a procedure if a county election board does not unanimously determine that an absentee ballot signature is genuine. States that the position of an absentee ballot counter or a provisional ballot counter is not a lucrative office for purposes of the state Constitution. Authorizes the secretary of state to establish a pilot program during the May, 2020 primary for testing of a voting system. Requires precinct returns to be sent to the director of the board of elections and registration if the counting location is outside the county. Allows a member of the Indiana election commission to appoint a proxy, and specifies the process and limitations. Adds a Level 6 felony for inducing or procuring another person to vote or refrain from voting for or against a candidate or public question at: (1) a caucus; or (2) the appointment of a candidate by a political party chairman or central committee officer; by giving, offering, or promising a person money or other property. Changes certification of a question on a referendum from 60 days to 74 days. Repeals language concerning absentee ballots (moving some language to central voting statutes) and repeals certain absentee voter boards.