Legislature(2005 - 2006)
2005-01-19 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2005-01-19 House Journal Page 0103 HB 87 HOUSE BILL NO. 87 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to absentee voting by mail or electronic transmission; relating to unlawful interference with an election; relating to election recounts; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Office of the Governor 2. Zero, Dept. of Law The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 18, 2005, follows: "Dear Speaker Harris: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to absentee voting by mail or electronic transmission, to unlawful interference with an election, and to election recounts. 2005-01-19 House Journal Page 0104 Sections 2, 3, and 5 of the bill are designated as the Absentee Voter Protection Act of 2005. Section 2 of the bill would amend AS 15.20.081(a) to make it clear that a voter applying by mail or by electronic transmission for an absentee ballot must submit the application directly to the Division of Elections. This would eliminate the possibility of interest groups soliciting applications for absentee ballots and selectively submitting applications to the division. Section 3 of the bill would amend AS 15.20.081(b) to require that the Division of Elections receive the application not less than ten days before the election for which the absentee ballot is sought. Presently, the statute requires that applications be received not less than seven days before the election. The earlier deadline should provide more time for the absentee ballot to reach the voter. Section 5 of the bill would amend AS 15.56.060 to include among the activities constituting unlawful interference with an election (a class C felony) intentionally changing, attempting to change, or causing to be changed, an absentee ballot application prepared by another person without authorization by the person. This bill also would increase the amount of the deposit to be posted for certain election recounts and would require certain recount applicants to bear the entire cost of the recount. See section 4 of the bill. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely yours, /s/ Frank H. Murkowski Governor"