HB 47: ABSENTEE BALLOTS -- PRIMARY ELECTIONS Number 357 TOM ANDERSON, LEGISLATIVE AIDE TO REPRESENTATIVE TERRY MARTIN, PRIME SPONSOR of HB 47 said, "We found constituents did not receive the right ballots." He referenced the decision on Zawacki vs. State. He stated Representative Martin opted to change the law, but those not choosing open ballots were disenfranchised because they still received the open ballot (wanted closed Republican, but was sent an open ballot). He said, "A person who does not signify gets all the ballots allowed by party by-laws. Example: Democrats will not be sent Republican ballot. It is a felony if both ballots be sent back, even if unused." REPRESENTATIVE ULMER asked "Where is the section that says it is a felony to mark both ballots?" CHAIRMAN VEZEY, "I do not recall it to be a felony." MR. ANDERSON, "I do believe it to be a felony though. I will inquire with legal services." REPRESENTATIVE ULMER, "I just wonder about confusion, if not fraud. I would like info on this, therefore, I have questions concerning how it works." Number 455 CHAIRMAN VEZEY added if republican party said others could not vote in their primary, or if included republican party candidates. MR. ANDERSON, "If they did not mark the desired ballot, they (and Republican) would receive all allowable ballots. At present, this is not the case." CHAIRMAN VEZEY, "Don't refer to Democrat ballot as other ballot." Number 525 CHIP TOMA, a former employee of the Division of Elections, said, "Let elections devise a plan for this. Save expense. You are confusing the issue with this. Situations do work themselves out." ADJOURNMENT CHAIRMAN VEZEY, with no further comments on terms limit bill, stated a proposal was being drafted. He then adjourned the meeting at 9:29 a.m.