I 111th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2823 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 11, 2009 Mr. Coffman of Colorado (for himself, Mr. Lamborn, Mr. Rooney, and Mr. Harper) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned A BILL To amend the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act to enhance and improve certain procedures relating to voting by absent members of the uniformed services, and for other purposes.

1.

Enhancement and improvement of Certain procedures relating to voting by absent members of the uniformed services

(a)

In general

Section 102(a) of the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (42 U.S.C. 1973ff–1(a)) is amended— (1)by redesignating paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) as paragraphs (4), (5), and (6), respectively; (2)by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new paragraph (3): (3)accept and process, with respect to any election for Federal office, any otherwise valid voter registration application, absentee ballot application, and absentee ballot that is submitted by an absent uniformed services voter described in section 107(1) without any requirement for notarization of such document; ; and (3)in paragraph (5), as redesignated by paragraph (1), by inserting before the semicolon the following: and permit the submittal of the official post card form by electronic means (including by fax transmission and electronic mail transmission). (b)

Conforming amendment

Section 104(a) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1973ff–3(a)) is amended by striking section 102(a)(4) and inserting section 102(a)(5).

2.

Sense of Congress

Congress— (1)encourages States to permit members of the Armed Forces to apply for, receive, and submit absentee ballots for election for Federal office by electronic means; and (2)encourages the Department of Defense to facilitate the implementation and maintenance of programs that permit the secure submittal by members of the Armed Forces of absentee ballots for election for Federal office by electronic means.