HB 851 / SB 1029

This bill enhances security measures for absentee ballots cast by overseas and military voters in compliance with the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA). This bill establishes clear verification procedures to ensure that only eligible U.S. citizens can request and submit an absentee ballot while maintaining the integrity of Tennessee’s election process.

Key provisions of the bill include:

• Requiring proof of U.S. citizenship and overseas residence for civilians and federal-only voters requesting absentee ballots.
• Enhancing ballot tracking and transparency, allowing military and overseas voters to verify when their ballot is received and counted.
• Prohibiting the electronic return of completed ballots, ensuring ballots are only returned via mail or secure courier services to prevent electronic interference or fraud.
• Strengthening absentee ballot validation, including requiring a properly signed and witnessed affidavit before a ballot is counted.

By implementing these measures, this legislation would protect Tennessee’s election integrity while ensuring that military personnel, overseas citizens, and their families can securely participate in elections. This bill provides a balance between accessibility for eligible voters and strict safeguards against fraud, reinforcing Tennessee’s commitment to secure and transparent elections.