COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
for
H. B. 4506
(By Delegates Lane, C. Miller, Savilla, Nelson,
Armstead and Sobonya)
(Originating in the Committee on the Judiciary)
[February 24, 2012]
A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section, designated §3-9-14, relating to absentee ballot fraud and providing felony criminal penalties.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, be amended by adding thereto a new section, designated §3-9-14, to read as follows:
ARTICLE 9. OFFENSES AND PENALTIES.
§3-9-14. Absentee ballot fraud; intimidation of voters; penalties.
Any person who, with the intent to commit fraud, obtains, removes, completes or disseminates an absentee ballot or intimidates an absentee voter, is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than $10,000 nor more than $20,000 or imprisoned in a state correctional facility not less than one nor more than five years, or both fined and imprisoned.
For the purposes of this section, each ballot obtained shall be considered a separate offense.