Do voters need their ballots emailed to them? Legislators are now debating whether it’s necessary, or even possible. Emailing absentee ballots isn’t new. In fact, it’s done all the time for the military and overseas voters. But, state democrats say email availability should be extended to everyone.
City clerks say most people vote the day of the election. And if they’re out of town, they’ll fill out their ballot early at the city clerk’s office, voting absentee. Some democrats in the state legislature say there should be more options.
“I support the idea that clerks should be able to email out ballots. People are using email today instead of the post office. It’s a fast, easy way to get information,” says State Senator Kathleen Vinehout.
Though clerks could email a ballot to you, you’d still have to print it out and email it in. And while the Eau Claire City Clerk says it can cut time down for sending to military and overseas voters, it might not be easier for all voters.
“Actually, on the voters part, it’s actually easier for them if they vote in person on election day. Or, if that doesn’t work, in person absentee. That way, the material is all there printed out for them, they don’t have to print anything out and make sure that they follow the directions specifically so their ballot is counted,” says Eau Claire City Clerk Donna Austad.
Some republicans say certain municipalities, especially smaller towns in rural areas, aren’t ready yet to get the ballots out via email.
Full Article: Legislature looks at need for email absentee ballots.