A. To carry out the provisions of Sections 14-115 and 14-115.4 of this title, the secretary of the county election board shall designate one or more absentee voting boards, to be composed of two (2) members each, with each member to be of a different political affiliation.

B. No later than June 1 in each even-numbered year, the chair of the county central committees of the two political parties having the highest number of registered voters in the county shall each submit a list of ten names to the secretary. Such lists shall contain names of registered voters of the county, who shall meet the same eligibility requirements for precinct officials as described in Section 2-131 of this title.

C. The secretary shall utilize such lists in designating membership on the absentee voting board or boards, unless all persons on such lists are ineligible, unable or unwilling to serve. In the event the chair of the county central committee of a political party fails to submit a list as herein provided, the secretary shall appoint membership to such board or boards from the ranks of registered voters of such party within the county. Provided further, that in the event the list of names of either or both parties is exhausted and additional absentee voting boards are needed, the secretary shall appoint additional members to such boards from the ranks of such party or parties in the county.

D. Members of an absentee voting board shall be compensated at the same rate as a precinct judge or clerk.

E. One member of each such board serving a nursing home, State Veterans Home or convalescent hospital, shall be allowed mileage reimbursement at the rate prescribed for travel by state employees according to the State Travel Reimbursement Act.¹