; and (3) allow such voting to be held for some period of time prior to 9:00 a.m (local time) and some period of time after 5:00 p.m. (local time). (c) Location of polling places (1) Proximity to public transportation To the greatest extent practicable, a State shall ensure that each polling place which allows voting during an early voting period under subsection (a) is located within walking distance of a stop on a public transportation route. (2) Availability in rural areas The State shall ensure that polling places which allow voting during an early voting period under subsection (a) will be located in rural areas of the State, and shall ensure that such polling places are located in communities which will provide the greatest opportunity for residents of rural areas to vote during the early voting period. (d) Standards (1) In general The Commission shall issue standards for the administration of voting prior to the day scheduled for a Federal election. Such standards shall include the nondiscriminatory geographic placement of polling places at which such voting occurs. (2) Deviation The standards described in paragraph (1) shall permit States, upon providing adequate public notice, to deviate from any requirement in the case of unforeseen circumstances such as a natural disaster, terrorist attack, or a change in voter turnout. (e) Ballot processing and scanning requirements (1) In general The State shall begin processing and scanning ballots cast during early voting for tabulation at least 14 days prior to the date of the election involved. (2) Limitation Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to permit a State to tabulate ballots in an election before the closing of the polls on the date of the election. (f) Effective date This section shall apply with respect to the regularly scheduled general election for Federal office held in November 2020 and each succeeding election for Federal office. 322. Promoting ability of voters to vote by mail (a) Uniform availability of absentee voting to all voters (1)