conditions or requirements on the eligibility of the individual to cast the vote in such election by mail (including by absentee ballot), except as required under subsection (b) and except to the extent that the State imposes a deadline for requesting the ballot and related voting materials from the appropriate State or local election official and for returning the ballot to the appropriate State or local election official. (b) Requiring signature verification A State may not accept and process an absentee ballot submitted by any individual with respect to an election for Federal office unless the State verifies the identification of the individual by comparing the individual’s signature on the absentee ballot with the individual’s signature on the official list of registered voters in the State, in accordance with such procedures as the State may adopt. (c) Effective date This section shall apply with respect to elections held on or after January 1, 2019. . (b) Conforming amendments relating to adoption of voluntary guidance by Election Assistance Commission (1) Applicability of voluntary guidance Section 311(a) of such Act ( 52 U.S.C. 21101(a) ) is amended by striking subtitle A and inserting subtitle A and subtitle D . (2) Deadline for adoption Section 311(b) of such Act ( 52 U.S.C. 21101(b) ) is amended— (A) by striking and at the end of paragraph (2)