(a) In the event that a national or local emergency makes substantial compliance with the provisions of this title and/or the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (52 U.S.C. § 20301 et seq.) impossible or unreasonable for some of all of the citizens covered under § 5502(1) or (2) of this title, the State Election Commissioner may direct the use of special procedures to facilitate absentee voting for those citizens directly affected who are eligible to vote in the State. Such an emergency may be a natural and/or humanitarian disaster; and/or armed conflict involving United States Armed Forces to include mobilized State National Guard and/or Reserve components.
(b) The State Election Commissioner shall consult with the Governor and the Federal Voting Assistance Program or its successor prior to directing the use of the special procedures cited in subsection (a) of this section.
(c) The State Election Commissioner, in collaboration with the Department, shall promulgate special procedures to be followed in the event that such a national or local emergency occurs.