Sec. 12. 21-A MRSA §762, first ¶, as enacted by PL 1985, c. 161, §6, is amended to read:

An absentee ballot may not be rejected for any immaterial irregularity in completing the application or affidavit on the return envelope. The following information must be on the envelope for the ballot to be accepted:

Sec. 13. 21-A MRSA §763, as amended by PL 1999, c. 645, §11, is further amended to read:

§763. Return of election materials

As soon as the ballots have been counted, the applications, where required, absentee ballots, return envelopes, lists required by sections 753-B and 756 and other election materials must be repacked, in accordance with section 698, and returned to the clerk. The clerk shall keep them in the clerk's office for the time required by section 23.

Sec. 14. 21-A MRSA §764, as amended by PL 1997, c. 436, §115, is further amended to read:

§764. Envelopes as public records

Absentee ballot applications and absentee ballot return envelopes are public records until the close of voting on election day, or until the ballots have been processed on election day, if the municipality processes absentee ballots before 8:00 p.m. After that time, except as provided in section 759, subsection 8, the applications and envelopes are not public records and may be inspected only in accordance with this Title.

Sec. 15. 21-A MRSA §780, as repealed and replaced by PL 2003, c. 407, §31, is amended to read:

§780. Absentee ballots

A uniformed service voter or an overseas voter may request an absentee ballot as provided in section 753-A 753-B, subsection 1- A or by submitting a federal application or form requesting an absentee ballot. With respect to any election for federal office, a clerk may not refuse to accept or process any otherwise