The Division of Elections is aware of the rulemaking procedures prescribed by Section 120.54, Florida Statutes. That process requires advance notice to the public of intended rules and the opportunity to submit comments on the intended rule, prior to the agency’s adoption of the rule. The time period for general rulemaking takes at least 60 days and will prevent the timely amendment and adoption of a rule needed to apply to upcoming elections. In the interim, the provisions of this emergency rule will ensure that interested or affected persons will be able to comply with the requirements of law and receive the rights they are due as relates to absentee ballot voting. The Department of State will be filing a notice of proposed rule and scheduling Rule 1S-2.049, F.A.C., for public hearing to incorporate the text of the emergency rule permanently.