Updates on MOVE Act Waiver Applications

Last year President Obama signed the federal Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment (MOVE) Act, which requires election officials to send ballots to military and overseas voters at least 45 days before a federal election. The first election effected by the law is this year’s November 2 general election. However, the law also allows states to apply for a waiver from the 45 day requirement under certain circumstances.

Ten states as well as the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands sought waivers. The results of the petitions are below.

Waiver Accepted:

1. Delaware
2. Massachusetts
3. New York
4. Rhode Island
5. Washington
   

Waiver Denied:

1. Alaska
2. Colorado
3. Hawaii
4. Wisconsin
5. District of Columbia
6. U.S. Virgin Islands
   

Maryland initially applied for a waiver, but the Defense Department found the state to already be in compliance. States who were denied waivers must send ballots to military and absentee voters by September 18.

Issues of MOVE act compliance will not fade after this year’s election. The Uniform Military and Overseas Voters Act – adopted this summer by the Uniform Law Commission – will ask states to extend the 45-day requirement to state and local elections.

Information collected from electionOnline Weekly, produced by electionline.org.
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