The Soldotna City Council passed an ordinance that would update absentee by-mail and electronic transmission voting procedures. It also would enact new provisions to allow voters to correct deficiencies on returned by-mail or electronic transmission affidavits.
Ordinance 2021-018 was introduced and sponsored by City Clerk Shellie Saner:
“So this ordinance would achieve several items. The first of which is combining the by-mail and by-fax code in one place so that you can actually see the difference. The only difference in the process is the time required and the method of delivering return of the ballots. For voters putting that together in one place, they can see the difference very closely. It will also allow us to participate in the Borough’s online and absentee ballot application process. It clarifies what’s required, but it doesn’t say what form it is. It will also codify the instructions that we sent to voters who choose to vote in methods other than in person. The big change is the new provisions that will allow voters to cure deficiencies in the by-mail or the fax back before the polls close on election day. I can contact the voters and provide them an opportunity to come in and correct that deficiency in-person whether it be provide us an identifier, a signature, or having me witness. Last year we had 16 ballots rejected based on deficiencies. This will definitely improve our opportunity for our voters to vote.”
Saner states that a voter considering voting absentee by-mail or electronic transmission would easily identify that if by mail they must apply seven days prior to the election and if by electronic transmission, they must apply the day before the election. In 2020, the Kenai Peninsula Borough transitioned to an online absentee ballot application, the proposed ordinance would update municipal code related to form of application and allow the city to accept those digitally signed applications received through the Kenai Peninsula Borough.
The new section of municipal code would allow an opportunity to correct errors prior to the canvass board, canvassing the returns.
Ordinance 2021-018 unanimously passed the Soldotna City Council.