Two vote-by-mail bills on their way

Rep. Susan Davis (D-Calif.) introduced a bill Thursday that would require states to install systems to allow voters to track mail-in ballots by telephone and the Internet.

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) is expected to introduce another vote-by-mail bill in the Senate.

The U.S. Postal Service is currently developing an “Intelligent Mail” system that could be applied to mail-in ballots and restore confidence in voting by mail, Davis said.

“Implementing ballot tracking systems will bring voters peace of mind and reduce the burden on elections offices, which are often barraged with phone calls from voters trying to determine the status of their ballots,” she said.

Davis introduced a bill in January that would allow people to vote by mail for any reason.

Wyden’s office did not return calls seeking comment.

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