Georgia 2025-2026 Regular Session

Georgia House Bill HB633

Caption

Elections; add caregivers to list of persons who may make absentee ballot applications for certain electors

Impact

The introduction of caregivers to the list of those who can apply for absentee ballots is expected to enhance accessibility for voters with disabilities or those residing temporarily outside of their county or municipality. This legislative change seeks to reduce barriers to voting and increase participation among vulnerable populations. Such amendments can lead to a more inclusive electoral process, ensuring that all eligible voters have the opportunity to exercise their rights, regardless of their physical limitations or other circumstances.

Summary

House Bill 633 aims to amend the election laws in Georgia by allowing caregivers to apply for absentee ballots on behalf of certain electors. Specifically, the bill proposes to include caregivers as individuals eligible to make absentee ballot applications, expanding the current list that includes family members. This change is intended to ensure that individuals who may require assistance, such as physically disabled voters, can participate in elections more easily by having a trusted caregiver advocate for them.

Contention

While the bill is generally regarded as a positive step toward inclusivity in the electoral process, there may be potential points of contention regarding the verification of caregiver relationships and the safeguarding against potential abuse of the system. Concerns may arise about how to effectively regulate the caregiver applications to ensure they are acting in the best interest of the elector. Legislative debates may also reflect broader discussions about voting access and the responsibilities that come with facilitating absentee voting.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

GA HB1162

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in county boards of elections, furth er providing for powers and duties of county boards; in preparation for and conduct of primaries and elections, further providing for manner of applying to vote, persons entitled to vote, voter's certificates, entries to be made in district register, numbered lists of voters and challenges and for ballots to be issued by election officers only, ballots not to be removed and official ballots only to be deposited or counted; in voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for applications for official absentee ballots, for date of application for absentee ballot, for official absentee voters ballots, for voting by absentee electors and for canvassing of official absentee absentee ballots and mail-in ballots; in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots, for official mail-in elector ballots and for voting by mail-in electors.

GA HB473

In voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for applications for official absentee ballots; and, in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots.

GA HB499

In voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for applications for official absentee ballots, for date of application for absentee ballot, for envelopes for official absentee ballots and for voting by absentee electors and providing for secure ballot return receptacles; and, in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots, for date of application for mail-in ballot, for approval of application for mail-in ballot, for envelopes for official mail-in ballots and for voting by mail-in electors.

GA HB480

Elections; permanent absentee voter list; provide

GA SB599

In county boards of elections, further providing for expenses of county boards and of primaries and elections to be paid by county, expenses of special elections and boards to be provided with offices; in voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for date of application for absentee ballot and for voting by absentee electors; and, in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for voting by mail-in electors.

GA HB1298

In voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for date of application for absentee ballot; and, in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for date of application for mail-in ballot.

GA SB271

Elections and Primaries; permanent absentee voter list; provide

GA HB534

In voting by qualified absentee electors, providing for absentee ballots for electors who are blind, visually impaired or disabled.

GA SB214

Elections and Primaries; electors to cast physical absentee on-request ballots as an alternative to using other authorized means of casting in-person votes; authorize

GA HB1097

Applications for absentee ballots; require sheriffs and police chiefs to have available for certain inmates.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.