Proposed legislation would allow Indiana voters to cast absentee ballots by mail without having an excuse such as being out of town on Election Day.

The bill cleared the Democrat-controlled House elections committee but could face hurdles in the Republican-led Senate. Republicans have opposed previous attempts to expand mail-in absentee ballots, which were in play during widespread Lake County vote fraud in 2003.

Under current Indiana law, anyone voting absentee-by-mail must meet certain provisions, such as being out of the county on Election Day or working through voting hours. Voters do not have to give an excuse if they cast absentee ballots in person.

The bill now moves to the full House for consideration.

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.