Relating to the printing and counting of absentee ballots by requiring a watermark, and including effective date provisions

This bill relates to the printing of ballots. The bill requires each absentee ballot to include a watermark, approved by the state commissioner of elections, that is easily discernible to the county commissioner of elections and the absentee and special voters precinct election board. If an absentee ballot lacks the watermark, the bill requires the absentee and special voters precinct board to reject the ballot, keep the ballot and the ballot’s affidavit envelope separate from all other ballots, and report the ballot to the state commissioner of elections, relevant county attorney, and attorney general, who shall investigate the ballot for potential election misconduct. The bill takes effect July 1, 2023, except that the state commissioner of elections may adopt rules for the implementation of the bill prior to that date.