The purpose of the proposed rule is to implement the requirements of Chapter law 2011-162, Laws of Florida, which expanded the use of federal write-in absentee ballots (which is a back-up ballot to the state absentee ballot) beyond federal elections to include a state or local election involving two or more candidates. The new law took effect July 1, 2011. The new law requires the Department of State to adopt directions and criteria for determining voter intent on a federal write-in absentee ballot in the event of a recount.