Evening star., 1940-08-18
Absent-voter Law
Changes Reported
In 19 States
Maryland Is One Of
Four With Brood
Revision Since 1888

A summary of the changes made
since 1888 by 10 States, including
Maryland, in their absent voters
election laws was made public yes
terday by the Absentee Voters Bu-
reau.
The bureau, sponsored by the Dis
trict Republican State Committee
with headquarters in the Woodward
Building, said its survey showed
drastic changes" in the laws of
Maryland, Colorado, Florida, Mich
igan and Minnesota.
In Maryland permanent registra-
ton in the city Of Baltimore and in
Washington County is now author
lied If voter casts his ballot every
four years. Montgomery County,
adjacent to the District, passed this
same legislation for the 1893 elec-
ton. All other counties throughout
Maryland, however, will have inter-
mediate registration.
Florida has completely amended
its election laws and vote by mail
has been declared unconstitutional
by the Supreme Court. Only votes
by mail within the State have been
declared valid.
Colorado and Minnesota have in
trcduced permanent registration.
In Michigan the new law pro-
vides for the extending of registra-
ton by signing and returning notice
sent by clerk warning the voter
that his registration is about to be
cancelled. Registration in Michi-
gan is permanent, provided the voter
casts his ballot once every two years.
These amendments remove all re-
strictions on classification of alb
sentees who may vote by mail.
Here Are the Changes.
Changes and amendments have
been made in the following States,
according to the bureau survey:
Idaho-Permanent registration if
voting every two years. Time of reg
istration.
Kansas-Additiona time fixed for
registration in towns near or ad-
jacent to cities of 10000 population
or more.
Kentucky-In cities of third class
(not county seats) the clerk of
county court or his deputy keep
registration books open at court
house or city hall during registra-
ton period.
Massachusetts-Law amended to
give absent voters right to vote in
city elections as well as general elec-
tions, provided city adopts this
provision by ordinance.
Missouri-Registrat law in ad-
dition to providing for those in mill
tary and naval service to vote out
side the State by mail.
New Mexico-Registrati by abb
sent voter.
New York-Amendment provided
that veterans in State confined to
hospitals, homes or institutions may
register with visiting inspectors Of
election.
North Carolina-Amended absent
voters law by extending the right
to vote in general elections in all
parts of the State and municipal
elections in Jackson County. Here
tofore, absent voting was restricted
to certain counties, now it is State
wide
Ohio-Restrictip time for max
ing application for absentee voters
ballot. Not earlier than 80 days
nor later than $50 pm. on Thurs
day before election.
Oregon-Changed date of pri-
mary from third Friday in May to
first Wednesday after the first Mon
day in September and requiring that
the absentee voters ballot must
reach the clerk not later than three
days before election.
South Dakota-AbSentees may
register for primaries by mailing
registration card to county auditor
in time to reach him Is days before
date of primary.
Texas-Reference to payment of
poll tax. In cities of 10000, If
payment is made by agent for alb
sentee, affidavit is required. Less
than 10000, payment by agent must
be authorized in writing.
Utah-Change in registration
dates.
Wisconsin-Changes in registra-
ton and application of absentee
Uot ho o11nt